spots on lungs

[chickamin]

I went to the doctor with a cough and coughing up blood. A pet scan was done showing two small spots on one lung. Six months later a cat scan showed these spots had gotten smaller. I was told nothing to worry about. Has anyone heard of a type of cancer that shows up this way then going away to only show up later?

[kid10012]

No have not, but the fact that the "spots" have gotten smaller is a promising sign. Were you treated with anything? You said the PET scan picked up the spots. Are you sure it was not a CAT scan? I have never heard of a PET being used as the first line to a diagnosis. I

[calamfred]

Hi,
My mom is a lung cancer survivor of just over 5 yrs now. In the beginning she had no symptoms, a little breathlessness with heavy exertion, but that is all. I came in one day and she mentioned to me she had a little cough, and when she cleared her throat she had what I can only describe as a blood clot come up...of course I immediately called her Dr. and off to the ER we went. The first thing they did was a chest x-ray, and they thought she had bronchitis...well, I didn't think so...I ended up calling her GP back, he admitted her, and did a CT scan which showed the nodule...then they did a PET scan and she had several bronchoscopies...ended up with having her lower 2 lobes of her right lung removed due to the cancer. I can only suggest you do what you feel is the right thing...the ER Dr. we first saw gave my Mom RX for antibiotics and something for the cough and told her to follow up with someone in 6 months...We just "felt" that wasn't the best thing to do...and thankfully we pursued what we thought was best. I would do it the same way again...let us know how it turns out.
Good luck to you,
C

[chickamin]

I think that you did the right thing with you mother, that must of been scarey! Since a cat scan they say it looks better for me but I think now that my doctor is aware of the situation he will keep me on a check up plan. Hope that your mom is ok? Thanks for the info.

[calamfred]

Hi
I am glad things are looking better for you, and that your doctor is watching close...please stay on top of that...My mom is doing terrific for having had lung cancer...what with the removal of 2 of 3 lobes of her right lung...getting an infection in the 1 lobe that was left on the right side after the surgery...having to spend 8 weeks back in the hospital due to the infection...going thru chemo...2 different types x 4 rounds...back in the hospital for almost 9 weeks due to the infection did not clear up...and now she is in remission for 5 years! She is on oxygen all the time, and will be for life...but she is all in all very blessed and doing so well!! She is a tough lady...she lives with my family and I, and thru all of the hospital stays, I stayed with her, night and day...even showered at the hospital, and I had the other bed in her room...and it is not that I am so wonderful...it is that I was so scared...plain and simple...my dad had died 2 yrs prior to it all...and I just could not imagine my mom not being here...so I am rather selfish...lol...
Take care and will pray you get better and better.

[mary_kay]

My lung cancer was discovered by "accident"  when I had an MRI of the thoracic area. My symptoms were neurological.  No cough, or any other symptom of lung cancer.  All I can say is, if there is any doubt, have the PET or CT scan to get it identified ASAP.  I turned out to be stage IIb, had surgery (lobectomy) and am feeling positive for the future.  Lung cancer has a pesky way of coming back....don't hesitate to identify it early!

[chickamin]

Good moring, thanks for the note. I feel the same as its a good thing to keep on top of. Glad you are ok and doing so. God bless