Question on lung nodes

katenorwood
katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
Hi everyone,
I go back in to cancer center in July. Will be having CT with contrast done then to determine if any changes occuring. Was told after failing to finish rads., and knowing cancer wasn't all resected that may show reoccurrance. (hate the word MAY) Any way trying to stay positive...but trying to find out about all these tiny nodes in my lungs....acc usually spreads to lungs. I like to be prepared with questions, and or options to hand my doctor. But haven't had alot of luck with this. I want to be what I call empowered with information...I know with HN we all don't have the same type of disease, but from what I'm reading we all go through basically same procedures. (dumb kate...basically sounds stupid to me) Any help directing me to good sound questions, and better tests on these lungs of mine would be very much appreciated. Thank you all ! Katie (also have mass in resection site and new lump on right jaw)

Comments

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    Some basic questions
    (I've got four nodules of my own) Hi, I read your profile and a few things come to mind. First thing I would want to know about the nodules is how many are there and where exactly are they located and what is their appearance and size. With this information they can make some educated guesses about what to do next? Most likely a VATS procedure which stands for video assisted thoracic surgery which is effective in the peripheral lung. Deeper nodules may be impossible to visualize during VATS. The location/s will most likely determine how a biopsy is conducted. On a peripheral nodule they can insert a microcoil which helps guide the surgery in removing the entire nodule by removing the entire coil around the nodule.

    Your right lung has 3 lobes and your left has 2 lobes which is where you get the word lobemectomy from. If they are all contained in one lobe it would be advantageous to surgery.

    I would want to know the prognosis for a separate lung cancer based on your COPD presentation vs. the metastisis of the original cancer. From what I've read the prognosis for a totally different type is better.

    Lastly I would stress to you that 3 years ago I was convinced that my base of the tongue cancer had spread to my lungs because of the CT results/smoking history and the finding of my lung nodules. Mine have not changed in three years and are most likely not cancer!
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    ratface said:

    Some basic questions
    (I've got four nodules of my own) Hi, I read your profile and a few things come to mind. First thing I would want to know about the nodules is how many are there and where exactly are they located and what is their appearance and size. With this information they can make some educated guesses about what to do next? Most likely a VATS procedure which stands for video assisted thoracic surgery which is effective in the peripheral lung. Deeper nodules may be impossible to visualize during VATS. The location/s will most likely determine how a biopsy is conducted. On a peripheral nodule they can insert a microcoil which helps guide the surgery in removing the entire nodule by removing the entire coil around the nodule.

    Your right lung has 3 lobes and your left has 2 lobes which is where you get the word lobemectomy from. If they are all contained in one lobe it would be advantageous to surgery.

    I would want to know the prognosis for a separate lung cancer based on your COPD presentation vs. the metastisis of the original cancer. From what I've read the prognosis for a totally different type is better.

    Lastly I would stress to you that 3 years ago I was convinced that my base of the tongue cancer had spread to my lungs because of the CT results/smoking history and the finding of my lung nodules. Mine have not changed in three years and are most likely not cancer!

    sorry I can't help on this one ...
    offering prayers everynight all the same .. :)

    Ratface...your posts always teach me more ..thanks for posting ...I'm trying to learn all I can as fast as I can just to be knowledgeable and empowered ...without you, Kent, Pat, JG, Tommy, Jim & Deb, Buzz, Hondo (they guy with the picture of the tatoo on his hand who is a 15 year survior) and soooo many others I wish I could remember to name ...I would be lost in la la land.

    Best,

    Tim
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    Tim6003 said:

    sorry I can't help on this one ...
    offering prayers everynight all the same .. :)

    Ratface...your posts always teach me more ..thanks for posting ...I'm trying to learn all I can as fast as I can just to be knowledgeable and empowered ...without you, Kent, Pat, JG, Tommy, Jim & Deb, Buzz, Hondo (they guy with the picture of the tatoo on his hand who is a 15 year survior) and soooo many others I wish I could remember to name ...I would be lost in la la land.

    Best,

    Tim

    yeah, except that in my case
    the lobectomy was prefrontal:)
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member

    yeah, except that in my case
    the lobectomy was prefrontal:)

    Thanks Tim, but
    I think Pat is making fun of my spelling.
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    ratface said:

    Some basic questions
    (I've got four nodules of my own) Hi, I read your profile and a few things come to mind. First thing I would want to know about the nodules is how many are there and where exactly are they located and what is their appearance and size. With this information they can make some educated guesses about what to do next? Most likely a VATS procedure which stands for video assisted thoracic surgery which is effective in the peripheral lung. Deeper nodules may be impossible to visualize during VATS. The location/s will most likely determine how a biopsy is conducted. On a peripheral nodule they can insert a microcoil which helps guide the surgery in removing the entire nodule by removing the entire coil around the nodule.

    Your right lung has 3 lobes and your left has 2 lobes which is where you get the word lobemectomy from. If they are all contained in one lobe it would be advantageous to surgery.

    I would want to know the prognosis for a separate lung cancer based on your COPD presentation vs. the metastisis of the original cancer. From what I've read the prognosis for a totally different type is better.

    Lastly I would stress to you that 3 years ago I was convinced that my base of the tongue cancer had spread to my lungs because of the CT results/smoking history and the finding of my lung nodules. Mine have not changed in three years and are most likely not cancer!

    Understood...
    Hello,
    The first question my ENT had was what is in the lungs, besides the tumor in my neck. A little history....was sent to lung specialist in Oct. '11, after bad bout of pneumonia. Diagnoised with COPD because of being a smoker. But...here's where it gets confusing, nodes were noted in both lungs...(8-10 each, but very small) they are in both upper lobes. Did not improve with copd meds., but did improve with my ventilin. Meaning my breathing. (dr. said in his yrs had never seen this.) He is the one that found my tumor, and said from his experience it probably was cancer. Sent for biopsy, and confirmed. Nodes are too small in my lungs then and maybe will stay that way for years...for biopsy. Yes I could very well have secondary cancer (heaven forbid) but ACC isn't the best news either. But also am finding out if can diagnoised correctly...and still small could have options than if they get bigger. HBO therapy a possibility. I guess this is my dilema....not knowing. Thanks for all the imput. Katie
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member

    Understood...
    Hello,
    The first question my ENT had was what is in the lungs, besides the tumor in my neck. A little history....was sent to lung specialist in Oct. '11, after bad bout of pneumonia. Diagnoised with COPD because of being a smoker. But...here's where it gets confusing, nodes were noted in both lungs...(8-10 each, but very small) they are in both upper lobes. Did not improve with copd meds., but did improve with my ventilin. Meaning my breathing. (dr. said in his yrs had never seen this.) He is the one that found my tumor, and said from his experience it probably was cancer. Sent for biopsy, and confirmed. Nodes are too small in my lungs then and maybe will stay that way for years...for biopsy. Yes I could very well have secondary cancer (heaven forbid) but ACC isn't the best news either. But also am finding out if can diagnoised correctly...and still small could have options than if they get bigger. HBO therapy a possibility. I guess this is my dilema....not knowing. Thanks for all the imput. Katie

    Katie, what is HBO. My
    Katie, what is HBO. My husband has small nodes in both his lungs. The pathologist could not confirm where primary is so is assuming it is from his Base of Tongue cancer. He never mentioned HBO treatment and I would like to know more about it.

    Debbie
  • Tonsil Dad
    Tonsil Dad Member Posts: 488
    jim and i said:

    Katie, what is HBO. My
    Katie, what is HBO. My husband has small nodes in both his lungs. The pathologist could not confirm where primary is so is assuming it is from his Base of Tongue cancer. He never mentioned HBO treatment and I would like to know more about it.

    Debbie

    HBO
    Home box office.....lol
    Just kidding, its Hyperbaric Oxygen and if I'm not mistaken doctors are not
    allowed to treat cancer in the USA with oxygen. It has been used on millions of
    patients worldwide in fact there are more than 8000 registered MD's in Germany
    alone that use oxygen in there therapys and over 15000 in the rest of Europe. There
    has been over ten million ozone treatments in Germany in the last 40 years. Despite
    all this the FDA still does approve oxygen therapy for cancer in the US.
    Hope this helps.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912

    HBO
    Home box office.....lol
    Just kidding, its Hyperbaric Oxygen and if I'm not mistaken doctors are not
    allowed to treat cancer in the USA with oxygen. It has been used on millions of
    patients worldwide in fact there are more than 8000 registered MD's in Germany
    alone that use oxygen in there therapys and over 15000 in the rest of Europe. There
    has been over ten million ozone treatments in Germany in the last 40 years. Despite
    all this the FDA still does approve oxygen therapy for cancer in the US.
    Hope this helps.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.

    HBo
    Dan,
    Oh I hope and pray your wrong....but my other site is international. But will check into this asap....would be my luck though ! Thanks for the heads up, that's why this group is invaluable to each other. God bless and thanks again Dan, sorry Debbie....but you could still ask questions on site or call them....they are located in the US.
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    jim and i said:

    Katie, what is HBO. My
    Katie, what is HBO. My husband has small nodes in both his lungs. The pathologist could not confirm where primary is so is assuming it is from his Base of Tongue cancer. He never mentioned HBO treatment and I would like to know more about it.

    Debbie

    maybe info to help ? at least to check out ?
    Hi Debbie,
    An ACC group I am connected with...has been talking alot about dives for lung mets. This stands for hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Some are having good luck with these. Actually have sent an email to several that have had it and waiting for responses. They are also talking about seed implants...I'm thinking these are radiation ? Now my cancer is adenoid cystic carcinoma...but, treatments on cancers may differ. You can get on site, and maybe get an answer....they also have a phone number that you can talk with someone listed under site. accoi/or sister site accrf. Good luck. Warmest regards, Katie If you have problems contacting them let me know...they are fantastic.
  • Tonsil Dad
    Tonsil Dad Member Posts: 488

    maybe info to help ? at least to check out ?
    Hi Debbie,
    An ACC group I am connected with...has been talking alot about dives for lung mets. This stands for hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Some are having good luck with these. Actually have sent an email to several that have had it and waiting for responses. They are also talking about seed implants...I'm thinking these are radiation ? Now my cancer is adenoid cystic carcinoma...but, treatments on cancers may differ. You can get on site, and maybe get an answer....they also have a phone number that you can talk with someone listed under site. accoi/or sister site accrf. Good luck. Warmest regards, Katie If you have problems contacting them let me know...they are fantastic.

    I hope
    I truley hope I'm wrong also for anyone who this treatment might help,
    fingers crossed and prayers that it can be done here.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912

    maybe info to help ? at least to check out ?
    Hi Debbie,
    An ACC group I am connected with...has been talking alot about dives for lung mets. This stands for hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Some are having good luck with these. Actually have sent an email to several that have had it and waiting for responses. They are also talking about seed implants...I'm thinking these are radiation ? Now my cancer is adenoid cystic carcinoma...but, treatments on cancers may differ. You can get on site, and maybe get an answer....they also have a phone number that you can talk with someone listed under site. accoi/or sister site accrf. Good luck. Warmest regards, Katie If you have problems contacting them let me know...they are fantastic.

    Chambers...
    Hey guys,
    Went under our site here, and Dan your right about doctors not treating cancer with this treatment. Alot of good info under this site. Also our mayo site here in Minnesota. Still waiting on reply from accrf here in the states. The FDA warns against the use of hbo as a cure for cancer. But my uptake is it's up to your doctor...and to use in unison with proven treatments. It helps promote healing... Hopefully will get some good info soon, and going to call mayo, to see what my options (if any) would be with this. Made me scramble and use the old brain a bit. Thanks Dan. Katie (we do have a chamber at the mayo in rochester) Guess investigative work on everything is good...with HBO alot of side effects too !
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member

    Chambers...
    Hey guys,
    Went under our site here, and Dan your right about doctors not treating cancer with this treatment. Alot of good info under this site. Also our mayo site here in Minnesota. Still waiting on reply from accrf here in the states. The FDA warns against the use of hbo as a cure for cancer. But my uptake is it's up to your doctor...and to use in unison with proven treatments. It helps promote healing... Hopefully will get some good info soon, and going to call mayo, to see what my options (if any) would be with this. Made me scramble and use the old brain a bit. Thanks Dan. Katie (we do have a chamber at the mayo in rochester) Guess investigative work on everything is good...with HBO alot of side effects too !

    It would be easy enough to circumvent
    Almost all dentist will advocate and prescribe HBO for you. The standard is 20/10 dives before and ten after an extraction. All you need is a bad tooth, or wanting of an implant, if the treatment consist of a dive only? Do they deliver the oxygen by a more site specific means? I have read about experiments in mice where the oxygen has killed the cancer cells in head and neck cases. There is an entire different viewpoint shared by some that HBO actually enhances growth of cancer cells. It does get complicated and due diligence is required.
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    ratface said:

    It would be easy enough to circumvent
    Almost all dentist will advocate and prescribe HBO for you. The standard is 20/10 dives before and ten after an extraction. All you need is a bad tooth, or wanting of an implant, if the treatment consist of a dive only? Do they deliver the oxygen by a more site specific means? I have read about experiments in mice where the oxygen has killed the cancer cells in head and neck cases. There is an entire different viewpoint shared by some that HBO actually enhances growth of cancer cells. It does get complicated and due diligence is required.

    Noted...
    Thank you !
    Dilligence is always required in any and all treatments. Just something I'm looking into...and will as always take it step by step. Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated. Regards, Katie