Question:

My mom is overseas and she was diagnosed with lung cancer. I have her CT scan detail in an electronic file. Who do I need to go to or talk to in order to get a second opinion in United States?

Answer: I would suggest you contact your family doctor here in the states, or contact the James Line and they can direct you.

Ask an Expert: Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD, Lung Cancer View full article

Bronchoscopy results

Question: My 82 yr old father has COPD and has been on 24/7 oxygen for a number of years. On CT also a number of years ago a right apical mass was found. It has been watched with a yearly CT scan. It had not grown until now. A bronchoscopy was done because he was hospitalized with increasing SOB and pneumonia . . .

Answer: Thank you for your questions. There are several causes both benign and malignant that can present as a pulmonary nodule and lymph node enlargement. Given your father’s age and comorbid lung disease, it is reasonable to first have a discussion with his provider regarding possible diagnoses and weighi . . .

Ask an Expert: Patrick Nana-Sinkam MD, Lung Cancer View full article

White Spots in Lungs

Question:

Had an x-ray and ct scan for white spots on my lungs. Have been told we will repeat ct scan in six months. This is probably some sort of lung fungus. If a fungus will this clear up on its own? Or can this turn into cancer? Never smoked, but have been around second hand smoke.

Answer: Fungus does not normally clear up on its own, but nor does it turn into cancer. If there is a spot on the lung the most cautious thing to do would be to do both a bronchoscopy and a CT scan no later than 3 months in the future.

Ask an Expert: Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD, Lung Cancer View full article

Nodule in the lung

Question: My father had cancer in his tonsils in 06` when the surgery was done they also found and removed some cancer in his lymphoid. Recently he has been feeling bad, pain in his stomach, but when doing a scan they found a nodule in his lungs. Is this a common thing that happens in people, or should we be . . .

Answer: Thank you for your question. Your father’s history of cancer does place him at risk for either recurrence or a new malignancy. Therefore, it will be important for you and your father to discuss with his care giver a plan for assessing this lung nodule.

Ask an Expert: Patrick Nana-Sinkam MD, Lung Cancer View full article

Non-Calcified Lung Nodule

Question:

My 24 year old son has had a 1.4cm x 1.4cm non calcified nodule at the anterolateral RUL diagnosed by CT which was found originally by chest x-ray during work-up for pneumonia. Recomendation is to recheck in 3 mos. I think we need to see a pulmonologist now. Scan also showed borderline prominent . . .

Answer:

A non-calcified node/mass in the lung could be from infection specially in 24 year old. However, we always worry about malignancy, especially in smokers and with other risk factors. FDepending on the risk, we may decide to obtain a biopsy immediately or do a bronchoscopy or follow.

We usuall . . .

Ask an Expert: Shaheen Islam MD, MPH, Lung Cancer View full article