Hi all, I recieved my ct scan results and they show three small lung nodules. they will need to be biopsied they are alling for a vats procedure is that a common way to biopsy these things?
I was thinking about you the last couple of days, because I knew you had your tests done. I know nothing about the biopsy procedure, but what did you find out about your cancer itself?
Stay strong my friend, we are all here for you whatever happens.
Laz the ultrasound showed a 3cm tumor 2cm from the anus with 1 lymph node involved, but the ct showed the nodules so that may change things significantly if thery're cancer
My cancer is very similar, but bigger and spread to the anal sphincter muscle. When I had my CT done it did not show any lymph node involvement air metastases, although I have been having this cough so we will see at the new CT at the end of the chemo and radiation treatment.
Regardless, let's hope for the best possible outcome, ok Kenny?
With VATS, hopefully "biopsy" means total removal, with cimetidine etc (see my previous notes about Life Extension Foundation). We want surgeons able to go beyond normal operating criteria.
I don't think they're planning on removing them, I don't know why they would not My dilemma is Stanford is 4.5 hours away and I could get a fine point needle biopsie locally. the dr. at Stanford says they are not accurate enough. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on that from experiance
HI kenny, I habe 4 lung mets. One in left. 3 in right. Smallest is 20mm largest is 45mm. They have shrunk,to this since being on antibody. Been going 3 yrs. had to have needle at starts start cos bronchoscopy inconclusive. Hang I there.....
I am having VATS procedure on Tuesday following an unsuccessful attempt at CT guided needle biopsy. I will will be back in touch with my 'new experiential knowledge' next week!
the doctor wants me to have a vats procedure but another surgeon said that they always do a fine needle biopsie that is adequate and a lot easier on the patient. at this point I just don't want a procedure that isn't absolutely necessary. any thoughts?
yes Laz, then they gave a mri the following day to double check the ct I guess. At Stanford they said that if the nodules are cancer there will be no radiation just chemo for now I don't no why but it's on my list of questions
Danker, VATS stands for Video-assisted thorascopic surgery. It is used for a variety of purposes, one being the biopsy and removal of suspicious lung nodules. Through small incisions in the chest wall, a scope is inserted giving a good view of what's in the lung. During VATS, mets can be removed, margins cleared, etc. If they are in tricky spots though, then an open surgery might be necessary. I have read of many people having VATS instead of the needle biopsy because it is more accurate, sometimes during the needle biopsies, the nodules are missed so test is inconclusive. I would say that the doctor's opinion of what he or she sees on the CT or MRI plus philosophy determine whether a needle biopsy or VATS is used. I think it is worth asking the surgeon why he or she is choosing one over the other.
Kenny, I haven't had any of these procedures but have read a lot about them. The needle biopsy while less invasive can sometimes be inconclusive. With VATS, you are more likely to get definitive answers and if the nodules are mets, they can remove them which would be a plus. Hopefully they're not but if so getting them out would be a good thing.
Joined: Jun 2013
Hey Kenny,
I was thinking about you the last couple of days, because I knew you had your tests done. I know nothing about the biopsy procedure, but what did you find out about your cancer itself?
Stay strong my friend, we are all here for you whatever happens.
Laz
Joined: Jun 2013
Laz the ultrasound showed a
Laz the ultrasound showed a 3cm tumor 2cm from the anus with 1 lymph node involved, but the ct showed the nodules so that may change things significantly if thery're cancer
I'm glad to hear things are going well for you.
kenny
Joined: Jun 2013
Kenny,
My cancer is very similar, but bigger and spread to the anal sphincter muscle. When I had my CT done it did not show any lymph node involvement air metastases, although I have been having this cough so we will see at the new CT at the end of the chemo and radiation treatment.
Regardless, let's hope for the best possible outcome, ok Kenny?
Laz
Joined: Jun 2013
You bet.
You bet
Joined: May 2013
Hey Kenny, I don't have any
Hey Kenny,
I don't have any experience to offer on the lung tests but...
I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for good biopsy results!
MC
Joined: Jun 2013
thank you Mary I hope all is
thank you Mary I hope all is well with you.
Joined: Oct 2010
vats
With VATS, hopefully "biopsy" means total removal, with cimetidine etc (see my previous notes about Life Extension Foundation). We want surgeons able to go beyond normal operating criteria.
Joined: Jun 2013
I don't think they're
I don't think they're planning on removing them, I don't know why they would not My dilemma is Stanford is 4.5 hours away and I could get a fine point needle biopsie locally. the dr. at Stanford says they are not accurate enough. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on that from experiance
Joined: Aug 2012
Kenny
HI kenny, I habe 4 lung mets. One in left. 3 in right. Smallest is 20mm largest is 45mm. They have shrunk,to this since being on antibody. Been going 3 yrs. had to have needle at starts start cos bronchoscopy inconclusive. Hang I there.....
Joined: May 2011
Hi Kenny, I am having
Hi Kenny,
I am having VATS procedure on Tuesday following an unsuccessful attempt at CT guided needle biopsy. I will will be back in touch with my 'new experiential knowledge' next week!
Cathleen Mary
Joined: Jun 2013
the doctor wants me to have a
the doctor wants me to have a vats procedure but another surgeon said that they always do a fine needle biopsie that is adequate and a lot easier on the patient. at this point I just don't want a procedure that isn't absolutely necessary. any thoughts?
Joined: Jun 2013
Dear Kenny,
In my opinion if the lesions in the lungs are very likely cancer, if they are small and could be removed with VATS, that would be a way to go.
But the most important thing is that if you need chemo and radiation get that started as soon as possible so the cancer stops growing and spreading.
How sure were they that the lung lesions are metastases?
Laz
Joined: Jun 2013
all they would say is they
all they would say is they weren't sure they said it could be old scar tisuue or an infection but maybe they were just being nice.
Joined: Jun 2013
all they would say is they
all they would say is they weren't sure they said it could be old scar tisuue or an infection but maybe they were just being nice.
Joined: Jun 2013
Well,
It's your body, It's your health. There is no room to be nice, don't you think?
They took the CT with a special dye that gave you in an IV so they can see the cacer and if there is any metastases.
They shoulbe able to tell 100%.
Kenny, please follow up. I read so many neglects and I experienced so many as well in my short cancer journey that we have to double check everything.
In my opinion whether they biopsy or remove those lung lesions you should get the chemo and radiation going asap.
Let us know man, and nothing but the best possible,
Laz
Joined: Jun 2013
yes Laz, then they gave a mri
yes Laz, then they gave a mri the following day to double check the ct I guess. At Stanford they said that if the nodules are cancer there will be no radiation just chemo for now I don't no why but it's on my list of questions
Joined: Apr 2012
VATS
Can someone tell me what VATS is?
Joined: Apr 2012
VATS
Can someone tell me what VATS is?
Joined: Aug 2011
Danker, VATS stands for
Danker, VATS stands for Video-assisted thorascopic surgery. It is used for a variety of purposes, one being the biopsy and removal of suspicious lung nodules. Through small incisions in the chest wall, a scope is inserted giving a good view of what's in the lung. During VATS, mets can be removed, margins cleared, etc. If they are in tricky spots though, then an open surgery might be necessary. I have read of many people having VATS instead of the needle biopsy because it is more accurate, sometimes during the needle biopsies, the nodules are missed so test is inconclusive. I would say that the doctor's opinion of what he or she sees on the CT or MRI plus philosophy determine whether a needle biopsy or VATS is used. I think it is worth asking the surgeon why he or she is choosing one over the other.
Marie posted a link from Mayo clinic on VATS.
Goodluck,
Laura
Joined: Apr 2012
VATS
Thank you! I will definItely ask about it when I go for my biopsy!!!
Joined: Jun 2013
hoping for the best for you.
hoping for the best for you.
Joined: Aug 2011
Kenny, I haven't had any of
Kenny, I haven't had any of these procedures but have read a lot about them. The needle biopsy while less invasive can sometimes be inconclusive. With VATS, you are more likely to get definitive answers and if the nodules are mets, they can remove them which would be a plus. Hopefully they're not but if so getting them out would be a good thing.
Goodluck, you are in my thoughts.
Laura
Joined: Jun 2013
best of luck with your
best of luck with your procedure Cathleen.
Joined: Feb 2008
Sorry
Praying things go well for you!
*hugs*
Gail
Joined: Jun 2013
thank you Gail
thank you Gail