thanks for everyones comments just to let you know , my father was diagnosed today with the condition of sarcoidosis. the consultant has given him a course of steriods. just a note to all keep believing and doctors always give you the worse case scenario
hello, really appreciate your last comment, must admit my father had the syringe biopsy yesterday, so hopefully we will get the answers we are waiting for on tuesday when we go to see specialists,
For your own piece of mind, I would recommend trying to ignore the statistics in this type of case. They're really only important for those who are not experiencing the disease. There are many long-term survivors out there and more & more are defying the odds every day. There is enough stress carried with this disease that you need to be able to focus all your energy in helping your loved one fight & recover & not worry about the statistics. Any patient going through a diagnosis of Lung Cancer will tell you as I am; IGNORE THE STATISTICS ! If I may recommend a pretty good site full of survivors who are willing to listen & provide positive feedback, go to http://lchelp.org/.
Good Luck & God Bless...
Ken
Hello,
I am sorry to hear that the bronchoscopy was inconclusive. As to the treatment options - it depends on the type and location of tumour and its spread. Broadly there are two types of malignant tumours - the non small cell lung cancers for which surgery is the first option in early stage, and chemotherapy in later stages; radiotherapy is used in inoperable cases. The other type - small cell lung cancers usually have chemotherapy as the first treatment option anf adjuvant radiotherapy ( chemotherapy+radiotherapy) as the other.
Having said that the treating physician needs to be consulted and his opinion taken as to what he feels is the best option for the patient in the given circumstances depending on the site, type and extent of tumour.
You should also be prepared that the prognosis is usually not very good and 5 year survival rates very low in cases of malignant lung cancers.
he has had this test it came back negative, it was non diagnostic. he has now got to have another test where they are to go in to the lung ( lymphnode glands ) through his back or chest to try and diagnose it. if the tumour is cancerous could chemo be given if it is in the right bronchus and lymphnode glands area. the doctors have found this as they were investigating another issue, this was found on a ct scan. my father is otherwise in excellent health could you shed some light on the kinds of treatment please if poss
thanks
Hello,
Bronchocopy done in this case as you have mentioned was to diagnose the 'type' of tumour. It is most successful if the tumour piece ( what is called the 'bronchocopic biopsy specimen') is successfully taken. Bronchial brushings are done by passing a tiny brush through the bronchoscope and brushing off cells from different parts of the bronchus or windpipe. These cells then undergo microscopic examination for identification of the type of tumour. A bronchoscpic brushing helps increase the diagnostic yield.