update

[ANGIE1965]

my mom had her consult today ,they told her she had a mass 3inches by 2 inches in the left lung, they are doing a ct scan and bone scan, i am terrifed she is a nonsmoker does that mean it is secondary that is my biggest fear, also how come theycan tell from ct scan i thought a biopsy is what will tell what stage and what kind is there any hope?

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

I’m not really sure what he means by it looking like cancer on Xray. Cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy. There are some features on Xray that may strongly suggest cancer – but even these can be mistaken. What was the description on the Xray anyway?
It may be possible that the doctor is considering it being a secondary cancer. Practice patterns may vary, in some places, a biopsy is not routine when there is imaging evidence that looks like secondary or metastatic cancer.
At this point, you may need to discuss things thoroughly with the doctor, there may be some miscommunication somewhere.
A second opinion from someone who can review the results and the Xrays may also be a good idea.
Stay positive.

[ANGIE1965]

No, biopsy is scheduled or been done he said it was cancer by  xray she went in for a  pain in her right side that showed nothing but this on the oppposite side, next week ct scan and bone scan , she has absolutely no symptoms at all and non smoker could that mean it is caught early?..please answer i am shaking out of fear for my mom

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
The biopsy would be definitive proof that it is cancer. This would be the first step. The stage is generally through imaging like the CT scan and the bone scan. Has the biopsy been done already? When are results pending? It is possible that the tests were done in order to limit delays, hence, if it turns out to be cancer – the results for imaging would be available to define extent of disease already. Take it a day at a time, and try to sift through the significance of each test. This is indeed a lot to take in, it is good that you are asking questions.