CT Scan shows "suspicious nodules"

Mike09

Hi - I am new here and was hoping to get some help from you. 

I was diagnosed in January 2014 with Anal Cancer. There was the tumor and also 2 lymphnodes in the area affected. The OR was very confident that I would be cured. Anyway, I just had a follow up CT scan and I was told there were 3 suspicious nodules in the lungs. I have only talked to the nurse on the phone and waiting to meet with the cancer doctoet but I was toild I either should have a PET scan or have a biopsy done. I am not sure what all of this means. I feel great, all my blood work has been perfect...I also just had a colonoscopy and that docter said things looked so good that he didn't feel we needed to do a biposy down there. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you. 

eihtak

Mike09......

Hi, Glad to hear that you are feeling well.....thats as important as anything else!  "Suspicious" is a difficult word to interpret, it may just mean there is something lighting up that didn't before. One doctor once told me if we had reason to scan everyone, including those that have never been ill or treated for cancer, some would have areas light up from inflamation, scar tissue, etc. 

That being said, unfortunately I did have my anal cancer (dx 4 1/2 yrs ago) spread to my lung this past spring. The scan showed more than a nodule....it was a large mass. (Keep in mind, nodule does not necessarily mean cancer) It was confirmed through a biopsy which was easy and painless, removed through surgery which was briefly painful but quick healing, and I followed with 3 months of chemo, which "sucked" but was doable.

Prior to my recent met diagnosis in the lung, I too felt just great and bloodwork was normal....this was found on a follow-up scan for me as well.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your nodules are nothing more than the late effects of treatment and life, and are nothing more than another annoying but non-worrisome part of this journey!

katheryn

nicotianna

suspicious nodules

Hi Mike - Your situation sounds similar to mine.  I was dx'd w/ AC IIIb & rec'd the standard rx (chemo & XRT).  A PET/CT showed a nodule & nodes at 10 mos.; a repeat showed increased intensity & sz.  The onc wanted me to have chemo & did not say biopsy first.  I chose surgery......+ nodes & nodule:(  Onc did not rec chemo.  10 mos. later I have mets to lungs:(   I think a repeat scan & possible biopsy are in order for you.  A biopsy before chemo (I thnk) is important to rule out another primary especially if you were/are a smoker.  Because I did not choose chemo I became ineligible for a clinical trial at the time.  Now I am receiving chemo...cisplatin & 5FU.  This is not curative; rather palliative:(  I hope this info is not too scary.  Wishing you the best.  Please keep us posted.

Nic  

lp1964

Dear Friend,

There is no use to stipulate until you get the results back from the PET scan or biopsies. Those spots can be anything. Get those done and let's hope that everything is ok.

All the best,

Laz

Mike09

eihtak said:

Mike09......

Hi, Glad to hear that you are feeling well.....thats as important as anything else!  "Suspicious" is a difficult word to interpret, it may just mean there is something lighting up that didn't before. One doctor once told me if we had reason to scan everyone, including those that have never been ill or treated for cancer, some would have areas light up from inflamation, scar tissue, etc. 

That being said, unfortunately I did have my anal cancer (dx 4 1/2 yrs ago) spread to my lung this past spring. The scan showed more than a nodule....it was a large mass. (Keep in mind, nodule does not necessarily mean cancer) It was confirmed through a biopsy which was easy and painless, removed through surgery which was briefly painful but quick healing, and I followed with 3 months of chemo, which "sucked" but was doable.

Prior to my recent met diagnosis in the lung, I too felt just great and bloodwork was normal....this was found on a follow-up scan for me as well.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your nodules are nothing more than the late effects of treatment and life, and are nothing more than another annoying but non-worrisome part of this journey!

katheryn

Thank You

Thank you Katheryn - I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. The medical people are meeting on Tuesday to discuss my case and we'll see where it goes from there. 2 of the "spots" are so small it may not be possible to biopsy them for right now. Thanks again. ~Michael

Mike09

nicotianna said:

suspicious nodules

Hi Mike - Your situation sounds similar to mine.  I was dx'd w/ AC IIIb & rec'd the standard rx (chemo & XRT).  A PET/CT showed a nodule & nodes at 10 mos.; a repeat showed increased intensity & sz.  The onc wanted me to have chemo & did not say biopsy first.  I chose surgery......+ nodes & nodule:(  Onc did not rec chemo.  10 mos. later I have mets to lungs:(   I think a repeat scan & possible biopsy are in order for you.  A biopsy before chemo (I thnk) is important to rule out another primary especially if you were/are a smoker.  Because I did not choose chemo I became ineligible for a clinical trial at the time.  Now I am receiving chemo...cisplatin & 5FU.  This is not curative; rather palliative:(  I hope this info is not too scary.  Wishing you the best.  Please keep us posted.

Nic  

Thank You

Thank you Nic for taking the time to write me back. I am in a holding pattern right now. I hope you are doing well. I guess it's all one day at a time. ~Michael

Mike09

lp1964 said:

Dear Friend,

There is no use to stipulate until you get the results back from the PET scan or biopsies. Those spots can be anything. Get those done and let's hope that everything is ok.

All the best,

Laz

Thank You

Thanks for that Laz...I really appreciate you grounding me here a little. ~Michael

Mike09

"Suspicious"

Thanks for the responses. I spoke to the cancer doc yesterday and she told me that 2 of the 3 nodules are so tiny that they may not be able to do a biopsy right away. It seems it may come down to a choice of a biopsy surgically and the Pet scan. I may have to wait a couple of months one way or the other. She is meeting with my other doctors and some surgeons to discuss options on Tuesday. In the meantime I am plugging away. I don't know what the rammifications are if these are positive, but as Laz advised below, there is no point in getting too worked up until I know something. The doctor herself said they could be benign. It is strange because I feel so good these days and again, all my blood work was better than ever. Anyway, thanks again to you guys for chiming in. I know you are dealing with your own situation and it warms my heart that you have taken the time to help me out. ~Michael

mxperry220

Pet Scan

It would seem a Pet Scan and or MRI may be in order.  I am  sure your doctors will have the right recommendation. I remember before any treatments I had 2 CT scans, one PET scan and a MRI.  I was told the MRI is the most thorough.  I cannot remember who told me this though.  You might ask your doctors if a MRI could be in order.  I was Stage 2 anal cancer in 2008.

Mike

tallorder5793

Mike 09

In my case, I found second opinion to be most valuable. I'm not sure from your post whether or not you've sought one. It's an individual choice. Wishing you all the best!

sierra28

eihtak said:

Mike09......

Hi, Glad to hear that you are feeling well.....thats as important as anything else!  "Suspicious" is a difficult word to interpret, it may just mean there is something lighting up that didn't before. One doctor once told me if we had reason to scan everyone, including those that have never been ill or treated for cancer, some would have areas light up from inflamation, scar tissue, etc. 

That being said, unfortunately I did have my anal cancer (dx 4 1/2 yrs ago) spread to my lung this past spring. The scan showed more than a nodule....it was a large mass. (Keep in mind, nodule does not necessarily mean cancer) It was confirmed through a biopsy which was easy and painless, removed through surgery which was briefly painful but quick healing, and I followed with 3 months of chemo, which "sucked" but was doable.

Prior to my recent met diagnosis in the lung, I too felt just great and bloodwork was normal....this was found on a follow-up scan for me as well.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your nodules are nothing more than the late effects of treatment and life, and are nothing more than another annoying but non-worrisome part of this journey!

katheryn

Lung bioposy

Hi Mike.  Went for my first year CAT scan and no signs of anal cancer.  That is the good news.  They found a mass in my kidney and spots on my lungs.  They removed kidney and it was maglignet any now they have to do a biopsy on my lungs to see what cancer it is from before they can start treatment.  I was wondering about the bioposy.  Do they put you asleep?  Do you have to stay overnight in the hospital?  Is it painfull?  Hope to hear from you soon.  Kathty

eihtak

sierra28 said:

Lung bioposy

Hi Mike.  Went for my first year CAT scan and no signs of anal cancer.  That is the good news.  They found a mass in my kidney and spots on my lungs.  They removed kidney and it was maglignet any now they have to do a biopsy on my lungs to see what cancer it is from before they can start treatment.  I was wondering about the bioposy.  Do they put you asleep?  Do you have to stay overnight in the hospital?  Is it painfull?  Hope to hear from you soon.  Kathty

sierra28.....

Hi, and let me say I am so sorry for these new challenges you face.  When I had anal cancer mets to my lung the biopsy was simple.  (Every doctor/clinic does things slightly different though)  I was not put to sleep and it was done as an out-patient.  I had to lay on my side and the area was numbed just as when you have dental work and they numb your mouth.  I only felt the first poke of the needle.  I had to lay very still and the nurse helped with positioning so I was steady and comfortable.  I did not feel a thing when the doctor went in through my back for the biopsy.  There was some slight achy-ness when the numbing wore off but took nothing more than tylenol if even that.  I assume it depends on size and location of the area being biopsied so your case may be different, but I will pray it is easily handled for you.  Hope this helps.

katheryn