slightly suspicious chest x-ray

[fauz]

My husband's chest x-ray was slightly "suspicious".  They found 5 or 6 small spots on the lower border and a quarter-sized cloudy appearance in the middle of his lungs.  He is very anxious about this.  He will have a CT-scan as the doctor wanted to be sure all was okay.  He has a hx of pneumonia as a child--from age 4 to 111--6x'x and had pneumonia again at the age of 38 for 1 month.  He has also worked for over 20 years as an asphalt/paving contractor--exposed to diesel fumes--he does wear protection most of the time via mask/respirator.  He also has a lot of scar tissue per doctors on his x-ray--from previous illness and an accident in which part of his intestine was removed.  He also has had malignant melinoma--level 1.  He gets regular physicals and all has been okay thus far.  He is 42 and in good health otherwise--never smoked or drank etoh.  Also has a hx of cx in his family including father who died of stomach cancer.  He is always anxious.  What can you suggest he do, given his hx and current health concerns.  Are there specialists we need to see for any reason?  Should we be worried about lung cancer?  THANK YOU.

[National Jewish]

At age 42 and never having smoked, the likelihood of lung cancer is very small.  The chest x-ray findings are all likely not cancer.  They are most likely due to the prior infections and his occupational exposures.

It would be wise to compare the recent chest x-ray with previous ones.  Given his exposures and family history, it would be a good idea for him to be seen by a pulmonologist.  This lung specialist should then examine him on an annual basis.

You should not have to worry about the level 1 malignant melanoma, as this is the mildest, least invasive stage.

Good luck

[poolnoni]

Sorry that your husband is having so many problems. He is very young to have all the medical problems you stated. Until he is told the outcome of the CT scan, be anxious and worrying can only make things worse. Perhaps he could find some diversity in the meantime.  My husband and I sometimes just take a day trip when the going gets rough. Perhaps you could do that if you are able to.  Good luck and I will be praying for your husband and you.

[fauz]

thank you so much for your kind words and prayers...really appreciate it and yes, we will do what you suggest and take it easy and PRAY!