Hi' I am new to this group. I had pneumonia last January and a CT scan was done of my lungs whilst I was in hospital. I was sent for a PET scan and my lung lit up as well as my Thyroid, I've since had a total thyroidectomy because the doctors told me that it lit up like a Christmas tree but turned out to be benign which I don't understand the point of PET scans. I was then sent for a bronchoscopy for the lung tumour after recovery from the thyroid op. The doctor could not do a biopsy because it's in an awkward spot. The tumour had increased in size but not by very much since the January CT scan. The Thoracic surgeon at that hospital sent me to another Thoracic surgeon at another hospital because he said he was the best in Australia, and the first surgeon sent a letter requesting that the tumour be removed. After all these months and more CT scans, lots of travel because I live in a country town, I had to see the surgeon last week again and had another CT scan. The tumour had only grown a couple of mm in 3 months and the doctor said the PET scan showed a low grade tumour 26mm x 17mm. Firstly he was going to get me back for another bronchoscopy, then changed his mind and said he would operate and take the tumour out. Sorry for the long post but I am so confused as to why I've been back and forth to the city all these months when I thought a PET scan was the final tool for diagnoses. Also, I don't know what low grade cancer means, I only know it must be very slow growing because of all the time since January. I also have slight emphysema because I used to smoke but gave that up 14 years ago. I am 72 years old but I think I'm very fit.I walk, excersize and line dance. Could someone tell me if the operation is nasty and what can I expect. I was told I would be in hospital for about 5 days. I also have bladder cancer.
Thank you for any advice,
Joan.

Hi' I am new to this group. I had pneumonia last January and a CT scan was done of my lungs whilst I was in hospital. I was sent for a PET scan and my lung lit up as well as my Thyroid, I've since had a total thyroidectomy because the doctors told me that it lit up like a Christmas tree but turned out to be benign which I don't understand the point of PET scans. I was then sent for a bronchoscopy for the lung tumour after recovery from the thyroid op. The doctor could not do a biopsy because it's in an awkward spot. The tumour had increased in size but not by very much since the January CT scan. The Thoracic surgeon at that hospital sent me to another Thoracic surgeon at another hospital because he said he was the best in Australia, and the first surgeon sent a letter requesting that the tumour be removed. After all these months and more CT scans, lots of travel because I live in a country town, I had to see the surgeon last week again and had another CT scan. The tumour had only grown a couple of mm in 3 months and the doctor said the PET scan showed a low grade tumour 26mm x 17mm. Firstly he was going to get me back for another bronchoscopy, then changed his mind and said he would operate and take the tumour out. Sorry for the long post but I am so confused as to why I've been back and forth to the city all these months when I thought a PET scan was the final tool for diagnoses. Also, I don't know what low grade cancer means, I only know it must be very slow growing because of all the time since January. I also have slight emphysema because I used to smoke but gave that up 14 years ago. I am 72 years old but I think I'm very fit.I walk, excersize and line dance. Could someone tell me if the operation is nasty and what can I expect. I was told I would be in hospital for about 5 days. I also have bladder cancer.
Thank you for any advice,
Joan.


From my experience w/ my Dad and now my Mom...they really need to determine what type of cancer it is...as there is a huge difference in treatment and outcome...if it is non small cell lung cancer...and has not spread...people have good results having it removed then having f/u treatment...if it is small cell...they don't usually remove...but treat w/ chemo...and many have good results...my personal opinion ...is that you need to know what kind of cancer you are dealing with so you can make informed decisions...the PET scan is a great tool for doctors...but usually after some sort of biospy so they know what cancer they are looking for...My thoughts are with you....c

Thank you very much for responding, I think I need to ask more questions before I have the surgery.
Regards, Joan.

Thank you very much for responding, I think I need to ask more questions before I have the surgery.
Regards, Joan.

You need to be informed..but just make sure you push for answers.....sooner rather than later...everything I have read...talks about the earliest detection....and treatment....giving the best outcome...go for it...please keep in touch...best wiashes and thoughts...C:)