Rib Cancer

baileybell
baileybell Member Posts: 9
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi all, I have learned so much from this group for my uncle when he was diagnosed with neck cancer. He had been NED for the last 3 years and recently started having pain in his shoulder. We took him to the Dr. today and an xray and scan were done, the Dr said that he now has cancer on his ribs. He goes thru the VA and they sent him home with morphine and steroids and told him he would recieve a letter next week to schedule for a biopsy. I am wondering if this is a primary site or could it be a recurrence from the original cancer or could it possibly be a mets from somewhere else? I know that you guys will tell me what we need to be asking and looking for. Thank you. :)

Comments

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #2
    The biopsy

    will tell you if it is a new primary cancer or if it has metastisized from a previous cancer. Once they understand the origin of the cancer, they can plan the best treatment options. 

    Prayers for you and your uncle,

    Barbara

  • baileybell
    baileybell Member Posts: 9
    #3
    Barbaraek said:

    The biopsy

    will tell you if it is a new primary cancer or if it has metastisized from a previous cancer. Once they understand the origin of the cancer, they can plan the best treatment options. 

    Prayers for you and your uncle,

    Barbara

    Thank you

    Thank you Barbara, I was confused about what the biopsy was for if they already knew there was cancer.

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #4
    I have NO idea..........

    I really have no Idea and never really have heard of this. My guess is they will say it is from H&N as whey you get it again they like to say it is from the first as metastasized. I'm no doctor, but I have known some H&N here that reocured in the lungs but would not treat it as lung cancer and therefore they didn'y qualify for the trial on the new drug for lung cancer. Foe me I see this as so wrong. Both were SCC, the same just in the lung and not the throat. I just do not understand why they just don't treat it with anything that will work or at least give hope.

    I do wish you the best and hope what ever it is and where it came from just doesn't matter, just get rid of it. 

    Bill

Discussion Boards