Suspiscious CT scan of thorax

[peachy13rn]

My sister has been coughing up blood, on and off for about 3 years with recurrent bouts of pneumonia; no risk factors, non-smoker,  healthy.  She finally went for a CT scan that showed a "mass and/or lesion" in 2 different areas; one of the lesions is blocking part of the left bronchus; one of the lesions/masses is 4 cm.  There is also an area/collection of blood, which probably accounts for her hemoptysis.  No weight loss, no fatigue, etc; I'm worried about the results.  Any thoughts?  Of course, I'm worried about cancer, but what about any fungal infections, sarciodosis, etc?

[jimgreg]

was a pe ever looked for?? they can look like lesions..have to go threw nuclear medicine for that scan..

[peachy13rn]

Thanks for your responses.  Yes, the pulmonologist says it's cancer, but he thinks it's a "low grade" cancer....and slow moving, since she's been having symptoms only sporadically for over 3 years now.  She still has to have surgery, and the biopsy will be back Tuesday.  There is no lymph node involvement which is great, but when people hear the CANCER word, all they can focus on is "I'm dying".  I'm just happy to hear anything positive and it sounds like there are some positives in her favor. How many different types of lung cancers are there?  I'll have to some research, because that's what we as nurses do !:)

[Londres70]

you can go to www.innerbody.com to view the anatomy of the lungs.  

[Londres70]

First, I will try to interpret this as simple as I can:

She has involvement of the left mainstem bronchus, the left lower bronchus, the left lower lobe, the right lower bronchus, the right middle lobe and the right lower lobe.  The left lung sounds the worst.  It has a mass, infection, blood mix, plus this lower lung is not expanding like it should (atelectasis).  The right lung has a lesion, blood mix.  

Taking all of this into consideration, I would be surprised if this is NOT cancer.  The lesion is concerning.  My second guess would be one NASTY, nasty lung infection which can present similar to lung cancer.  The pathology will tell the TRUE story.  

Hope I didn't confuse you more.

[Londres70]

No, not a physician, but I have a background as an Oncology RN; worked in the USA for 8 years.  So, I have seen ALOT of radiology reports,scans, etc.

[peachy13rn]

Are you a physician by chance?  This is what the actual reading says..I have a copy:

"Mass-like density within left lower lobe associated with occlusion of left lower lobe bronchus. Soft tissue is noted to bulge into the left mainstem bronchus.  High density substance is associated with this area most likely representing blood.  Differential consideraitons would include mass with postobstructive atelectasis, infection.  The area is 4 x 1.9 cm in size. Also, there is a soft tissue lesion noted within the right middle lobe associated with occlusion of the right lower lobe bronchus.  High density areas are noted within this substance most likely representing blood."      Any more thoughts?

[Londres70]

After reading your post, I would not think it is Sarcoidosis.   My guess would be some type of fungal infection or cancer.

When are they planning on obtaining biopsies?   Hopefully, she has been referred to a Pulmonologist.