I was wondering what the likelihood is that my mom has lung cancer? All the details I have are below?

Question

I know that no one can say for sure, I was just wondering if people with professional opinions or similar experiences could help out.

My mom is a heavy smoker for over 20 years, so I know how much that increases her risks. But about 3-4 weeks ago, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and pluracy. She had chest X-rays run and she was put on one round of antibiotics. The x-rays showed the pneumonia, but no mass or tumor. After about 2 weeks of still feeling terrible, she went back to the doctor who did another round of x-rays and gave her an injection and put her on more antibiotics. The x-rays revealed that the pneumonia had spread to the top of the lungs, but once again, didn't show a mass. She began to feel a little better, but decided to see a pulmonary doctor to be safe. The Dr. did and ultrasound of her lungs, and a mass was discovered. He told her it coulf be anything from a puss pocket to a malignant tumor. Monday, they are going through her nose to check on the mass and I suppose biopsy it.

Once again, I was just wondering if anyone has ever had a similar experience or any opinions. Also, if it would happen to be lung cancer, could it mean that it is in the early stages because nothing was detected on x-rays, Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Lung cancer is defiantly a possibility. Although it is a possibility i would not jump to conclusions just to be safe. The first thing i would do is look at the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, coughing, chest pain, REOCCURRING BRONCHITIS OR PNEUMONIA and more. check the rest of the symptoms out at the website below.

Answer 2

From what you describe, lung cancer is possible, but unlikely. The pneumonia is obviously worsening because (as an e-smoker myself), I would bet that she is still smoking in light of her condition.

In short, as long as she smokes, her lungs will accumulate more tar and harden. This makes it more likely for chronic and acute infections and illness.

I know that you don't need a lecture, but if she is lucky enough to escape this now, she should consider quitting. I know, I know, easier said than done.

I know several people, myself included, who used the following method to quit - and somewhat painlessly.

Ask her doctor to prescribe Wellbutrin and a nicotine inhaler. Take the wellbutrin for two weeks as you continue to smoke - then stop, replacing the inhaler for the cigarettes ... when used, they not only give nicotine, they also provide the feeling and method of deliver as if smoking (not to mention the hand movements are also mimicked by using them).

There is only one person that I know of that was not successful ... and, in fact, I only tried it because my wife was trying to quit. My intention was only to make her happy, and get back to smoking ASAP. Well, I was able to quit without wanting to.

Good luck.

Answer 3

More than likely it is a mass of pus caused by the pneumonia.  Lung CA masses don't just appear out of nowhere on X-Rays, especially not if the patient is getting frequent X-Rays to follow up an illness.  It's still a possibility, but with her current history is a minor differential.