Hi. I am sorry about your Mom. I lost my Mom over five months ago to colon cancer. I miss her terribly.
Please let me know how your results go. I went through emergency on May 13th. I could barely breathe. I was wheezing and I had a terrible cough. They did a chest x-ray and told me that I didn't have pneumonia. They advised that I follow up with my Dcotor and I did have bronchitis. This would be my third time with bronchitis in the last 9 months. I have never smoked anything in my whole 43 years of life.
On May 21st I saw my Doctor who told me I was fine but still could not explain why I am still coughing. I have been coughing now for about nine months. On May 24th she notified me that there is a "Mass" on the left side of my chest and I needed a CT scan. I was a little upset that she never mentioned this on May 21st when I saw her. I am also concerned why the emergency room department never said anything either.
Today, May 31st, I had a CT scan. I was told my Doctor would notify me with the results. In the meantime, I am sooo worried.
If you truly have a 3 cm mass, it could be a tumor, benign or malignant. At your age it is most likely benign, but given your very heavy smoking history, it could be a malignant tumor. It could also be an infection, such as pneumonia, which can sometimes resemble a tumor mass.
It is likely that the specialist will recommend a bronchoscopy with biopsy or, if the mass is close to your chest wall, he/she might suggest a needle biopsy. But first, before either of these procedures, you should have another chest x-ray to see if the 'mass' has diminished in size, if only so slightly. If so, you should be followed with chest x-rays until, if and when, the mass is completely gone. If the mass is undiminished in size, you should accept the pulmonary specialist
Obviously I don't know you, but I read your post and just wanted to say that you are in my prayers...
Hi there. First of all, I'm so sorry about your mother. My mother is going thru cancer and at least she is doing "okay" right now. You and i have something in common we both have the same problem. My thing was picked up the same way yours was picked up (during a routine xray). Your mass doesnt necessarily mean cancer. It could be many things. It could be a nasty infection that has never healed properly, it could be a benign tumor, it can even be fungus. What they are gonna do is what they are currently doing with me. Cat scan - pet scan - biopsy. My biopsy is next week, so i know exactly how you feel. Your lung capacity issue might be connected to the mass and then again it might not be. I know these upcoming weeks are gonna be hard for you, they are and have been for me....just try to stay positive and really think and try your hardest to quit smoking.
I'm praying for ya man
Fernie
A related discussion,
Chest x-ray was started.
Thank you so much. I went for the ct scan but didn't have it yet bc my dr. office only set up appt. at lung spec. I'll have the ct scan the 14th. He did do tests on me though and I have copd. He gave me an albuterol inhaler. At least the copd is reversable. I just have to stop smoking. So please keep me in your prayers about that. Thank you. I don't know you either obviously but I will keep you in my prayers bc God does know you. I just pray for peace, joy, and prosperity for you and everyone on these forums. May God bless you all!!!!
Thank you so much. I am very sorry about your moms cancer as well. After it was over I thanked the Lord that it was only a short time of suffering for her as liver cancer is very rapid and painful. I did not have the Faith then that I have now. Please keep your Faith. You are in my prayers as well and may God Bless you.
I didn't have this report when i first posted this but now I do. It is from the clinic I went to.
Frontal and lateral studies of chest are performed demonstrating concern for ill defined somewhat nodular suprahilar structure on the left, possibly artifactual in nature, however, add. views of chest are recommended w/ mild degrees of obliquity from frontal view or ct follow up to exclude potential for suprahilar parenchymal mass on the left measuring approx. 3 cm in max. size. The bony thoracic structures are w/in normal limits.
IMPRESSION:
Concern for suprahilar nodularity or possible mass on left. Remainder of chest is w/in normal limits. Follow up x-rays or ct recommended to exclude neoplastic potential.
Thanks again.