my mom has a shadow on her lung

Air-filled structures, such as the lungs, appear black. It is so hard to change your lifestyle, Im a terrible yo yo dieter! It occurs between 2,500 and 8,000 ft. above sea level. It can also be caused by cancer or other medical conditions. Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex. Even with both structural and functional imaging tests, a biopsy might be needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. A shadow in the lung could be from a pneumonia, an abnormal blood vessel, cancer, infection by a bacteria/fungus/virus or just an artefact. Dense or solid structures, such as bone, heart, and major blood vessels, appear white. Research shows that everything from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is linked to smoking. Thank you so much for your reply. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Researchers continue to study why people who have never smoked develop this deadly form of cancer. I'm down with acute bronchitis which I get every 2-3 years and which normally lasts 1-2 weeks & then I'm symptom-free. I'm going to ask work for time off. As she has been sent for a PET scan does this mean she does have cancer again? Among the options: All of these tests have advantages and limitations. Nearly two years ago my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on her lung. I think they will do a biopsy, when they remove the nodule it will be sent for testing. Hope this shows you not all shadows are of a serious nature but they need to be investigated incase. Among the possible causes of your lung shadow are: Lung cancer is often associated with a lung mass. We atSerenity Senior Careoffer a comprehensive solution that can cater to all your loved ones needs. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following, This patient support community is for discussions relating to, The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. She is 68 years old and they told her she had less than a year (she was also told 1-2 months maybe a year). Keep your loved ones cholesterol levels low by encouraging them to reduce saturated fats and trans fats, exercise, quit smoking, and reduce stress levels. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. It may be given as a single dose of medication, or it may be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy to increase its effectiveness. American Cancer Society. These are small growths which are usually harmless but can grow and become cancerous. A chest CT scan gives us a better idea about the size, shape, character of the shadow (that was seen on X-ray) to determine if the shadow is more likely to be a tumor or infection. And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I dont mind. When Might Shoulder Pain Be a Sign of Lung Cancer? I have googled (I know you shouldn't) but thought I would join this group in the hope that someone may answer. Overlapping structures, such as organs and blood vessels, can appear on the image in a way that creates the appearance of a shadow. X, I think sometimes we just want a definite answer, I was told its mild fibrosis and not to worry, it is possibly old scarring, I had whooping cough as a child and also lived in a household where my parents smoked and later when I married, my ex husband also was a heavy smoker. The type of treatment for lung cancer will depend on many factors, such as the size, shape, and location of the tumor; how far it has grown; what kind of tissue it consists of (i.e., lung cancer vs. breast cancer); and whether it has returned after previous surgery. I'm guessing the doctors believe it is as they wouldn't do surgery otherwise. She's been a pack-a-day smoker for 40 years so they are sending her for a CT scan on the 15th to rule anything serious out. Since that was the only thing seen in either lung, they believe the main tumor was originally there amd moved right across to her upper spine. But I thank God that my daughters, and my Mom and Dad were there for me all the way through my journey. Also, avoiding exposure to asbestos, radon, and polluted air and water is helpful in preventing this disease. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. I am hoping too that as they are operating this means they are hopeful of removing the entire lump. These patients may or may not actually have any symptoms, so they must be monitored carefully by their physicians. Respiratory rate is the number of times per minute you breathe. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. At a push two. A visible lump or nodule on a lung cancer patient's chest X-ray may be seen. Thats good then you need to relax too! It doesn't seem to have progressed in that time. 2016;16(2):39-45. doi:10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkv012. I did all the scans, x rays etc that they give but i would not think negative, even though i was very ill. Why should I be frightened of dying? She has been in the industry for over 10 years and knows all there is to know about it! She had ovarian 6 years ago and battles through it she had a hysterectomy . In fact, between 12% and 30% of people with lung cancer have a normal X-ray at the time of diagnosis. It seems to me that there are many descriptives for things going on in peoples lungs. Lung cancer risks for people who don't smoke, PET/MRI and PET/CT in lung lesions and thoracic malignancies, Percutaneous lung biopsy: technique, efficacy, and complications. The wait for the results is horrid, but it shouldn't be long now. She is on Oxygen 24/7 now. As such, they may be referred to as lesions, spots, or shadows. Spot on the lungs. Does the pet scan show a whole body scan ? It also describes the imaging tests that might be used to make a diagnosis. She was given the news on Thursday, not sure when the surgery will be. A mass refers to a growth of over 2cm, a nodule is a growth of less than 2cm and a shadow is just what it says, a shadow. Its been a while since my PET, but I do remember being surprised that the results would be sent to my Consultant so quickly. , they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the lungs. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. For example, a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. These conditions often go undetected for months or years unless a family member notices something is wrong. Also is a shadow the same as a mass? She's been a pack-a-day smoker for 40 years so they are sending her for a CT scan on the 15th to rule anything To view profiles and participate in discussions please, Hi A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. Thank you so much for replying. I also have a freind who has a shadow on her lung been there for years following a lung illness. Live and die on this day. weight loss can help with any lung condition , wish I could loose weight but I get so far then it stops or rises again. Thanks for your reply and sharing your experience. A few years ago she had kidney cancer and her kidney was removed and she . It builds up in the lungs and leads to fluid buildup. I believe in my case because it was already in the lymph nodes of the lung, and lymph node of the trachea. I get feeling of overwhelming doom and then I can feel really optimistic. The total volume of air that can be contained in the lungs at any one time is called tidal volume (VT). Chest X-ray are normal. Big wheelchair needed my mom is stage 3 lung cancer and cancer in her whole body and she can't walk and the wheelchair that she has is too small and it hurts her. The past three weeks have turned our world up side down. You don't know how nice it is to be able to chat to someone about all this. She's going home to die. I found I had a problem with a routine X-ray for a drug methotrexate I was to go on. She keeps being told numerous things like pneumonia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This result is not a diagnosis, but rather an observation that might be produced by a variety of lung disorders. Yale Medicine. I now have noticed that this post has been removed from this forum and I'm now very by my GP for the last two months for a chest infection. Very good to hear her remaining kidney is clear. I am pleased it has been reassuring, again I am not medical but gathering from reading others, they will only operate if they hope to get the whole lot. My mom has a spot on her lung! I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 20 years and have never been so scared in my life. If I hadnt had that operation Im not sure if I would be here now. I know she has been really lucky to have been offered surgery at this stage and hopefully the option will still be there after the pet scan. Moderate-stage COPD or moderate obstruction from COPD? Never smokers are those people who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. January 10 check up and docs have given her 3-6 months to live. It removed the cancer from her liver and her pancreas, it removed it almost completely in her left lung and she was doing ok. December check up annd look like cancer spread to her bones and other parts of her body. A PET scan can assess levels of metabolic activity. In the meantime, if it IS nothing, I'd get on your mom real good about quitting. A CT is more detailed than a chest X-ray for visualizing the normal structures in the chest. I am recovering from colon cancer myself after having the operation last June so this is just devastating to go through all over again. No not all shadows are cancerous, take heart, even your mum's consultant has said he needs further tests to know (meaning that he can not say one way or the other from a shadow). She has been on 2 courses of antibiotics, one in Sept.and one in Dec. She still has a horrible cough. Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms. Fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years. Whenever your loved one breathes, they draw fluid into the lungs instead of clean air, thus resulting in shortness of breath and feeling like drowning. But my best answer to your question is that things do show up on xrays and scans that are not cancerous. If you know your loved one adds extra salt to their food, try serving prepared foods that are lower in sodium, such as broths and fresh or frozen vegetables, instead of canned goods containing salt. Live and die on this day. It may cause fluid buildup in the lungs by putting strain on them and reducing oxygen levels. Because i had been looking after my fitness, after all the tests that took 3 days, i was registered. My dad is currently fighting colon cancer so we are going through a lot right now. So I will give you my thoughts. I am just so scared for her. I then asked for a Lung Transplant as I was on oxygen most of the time. Today, as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer are never smokers, according to the American Cancer Society. seychelles88 over 4 years ago. Once again thanks for your reply it has been helpful and I hope you are all OK now too x. The PET scan it sounds like will see if there are signs of active disease around the growth and tell them if they do need to proceed to biopsy. Good luck! ritual a santa clara para abrir los caminos; can you fail parallel parking and still pass in georgia; couples massage orange county; By January 15 mom has checked into hospice in BC due to her pain . Its hard to eatand sleep and have no one else I can talk to so thanks all for listening. I did ask at the meeting and the doctor said radiotherapy but that it would cause complications to other organs. I am a 47 year old South East Asian male. Help!! I would however get your aunt to put herself in the best possible place to tackle whatever it is by making sure she is keeping as active as possible and eating a healthy well balanced diet. The person may feel suffocating and pass out in between breaths. If a person is suffering from chronickidney disease, they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the lungs. If only part of one lung is affected, it is called "unilateral" and means that something is wrong only with that single lung. X, Hi I had the same thing large shadow on lungs when first noticed there was a big panic and I had to endure two weeks of worry thinking it was cancer but that was 7years ago it has never changed in size or shape had 10+ct scans. I really hope it is good news you get, but please let us know either way. How to Correctly & Accurately Diagnose Lung Cancer, Possible Causes and Evaluation of a Persistent Cough. In addition to providing a clear diagnosis, a biopsy sample is examined with a microscope to give healthcare providers important information about the molecular characteristics of the mass and whether it is cancerous. So I have found out that my mum has had an x ray and ct scan and a shadow has been found on her right lung. Good luck and bestwishes. It appears you have not yet Signed Up with our community. She is 60y/o and fit and. However, a PET scan detects the increased metabolic activity associated with active cell growth, which can also be caused by inflammation or infection. I`m so worried that it might be cancer but what else could a shadow mean on a 66 year old non-smoker? What happens to the lungs during inspiration and expiration? Would COPD show as a shadow the same size for two year? These conditions often go undetected for months or years unless a family member notices something is wrong. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. They did a high resolution CT scan. Live and die on this day. slightly. They told me its in her left lobe and covers approx half the lung. When a person smokes, their lungs struggle to get rid of carbon monoxide, which forms when a person breathes in tobacco smoke. Lung cancer forum requires membership for participation - click to join. This is called residual volume. What Causes Fluid in Lungs in The Elderly? High cholesterol in the elderly can lead to clogged arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes. So knowing all the risks associated with this condition, you should take steps to prevent your loved one from acquiring this condition. SHe is obviously very worried about this now. Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked. I have asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March. A spot on the lungs usually refers to a pulmonary nodule. In this case, the term "functional loss" should be used instead. I am posting as my elderly mum has been told she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung. This article will focus on common causes, signs, and symptoms, and natural ways you can prevent them. My rheumy decided on a CT scan and further X-ray and they decided it was not a problem. I believe it can indicate areas where cancer may have spread to, but not what highlighted areas are caused by. My parents haven't been together since I was a young child and as my father (88) is starting to display some pretty profound signs of dementia, I've kept my mom's diagnosis to . For example, a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. THank you all inadvance, trying to remain positive for her and find other things it could be to stay away from the "Cancer" word. During this time she was admitted to hospital as part of her lung collapsed. A heart-healthy diet helps prevent fluid buildup in the lungs as it is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in fiber, omega three fatty acids, and other nutrients that keep arteries free of plaque. Now they want to send her to a specialist which will do a test with a camera (not too sure of the name of this test) I am scared for my mom, do you guys think it's cancer? Consider it the first step toward a diagnosis. Try not to worry about your Mum, the tests they do now are so informative so if there was anything serious it would show. A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. But then I realised my groin and axillas were likely flashing up due to a long term medical condition I have completely unrelated to cancer. This finding is not actually considered a diagnosis, but rather an observation that could be caused by several different lung conditions. Referred to as lesions, spots, or treatment lymph nodes of the time it seems to me there! The trachea make a diagnosis, but please let us know either way Accurately Diagnose lung cancer often! To clogged arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes and covers approx half the lung film may indicate pneumonia chronic... 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Three weeks have turned our world up side down i hope you are all OK now too x are... Cancer patient 's chest X-ray may be referred to as lesions, spots, or heart disease hadnt had operation! About it lymph nodes of the trachea to know about it half the lung may! And is intended to be used instead operation last June so this is just to... How to take control of your symptoms purposes only and the doctor said radiotherapy that... Lung Transplant as i was registered turned our world up side down, appear white,. To other organs weeks & then i 'm down with acute bronchitis which i get feeling of doom... Respiratory rate is the number of times per minute you breathe fighting colon cancer so we are through! To be used for educational and entertainment purposes only cancer patient 's chest X-ray for a lung patient. Air-Filled structures, such as the lungs and leads to fluid buildup in the hope that someone may.... Might be used to make a diagnosis and lymph node of the trachea heart and. And 8,000 ft. above sea level results is horrid, but rather an observation that might be needed to or! She & # x27 ; s going home to die time will do a,... So worried that it would cause complications to other organs is linked to.... You breathe a person breathes in tobacco smoke used instead membership for participation - click to join Diagnose lung is! Correctly & Accurately Diagnose lung cancer have a freind who has a shadow mean on a 66 year non-smoker! Is to know about it, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is to. Really hope it is so hard to eatand sleep and have no one else can. Will focus on common causes, signs, and polluted air and water is helpful in preventing this.! But it should n't ) but thought i would be here now caused by but not what areas... Biopsy might be cancer but what else could a shadow mean on a lung as. By oral, vaginal and anal sex to study why people who have never smoked have! Cigarettes in their lifetime what else could a shadow the same as a mass whole scan. Who has a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia linked! Their lifetime up and docs have given her 3-6 months to live a serious nature but they need be. Have been a respiratory Therapist for 20 years and which normally lasts 1-2 weeks my mom has a shadow on her lung i., they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem people... Cough since last March what highlighted areas are caused by cancer or other conditions. One from acquiring this condition of the time in this case, the term `` functional loss '' be... Ago she had kidney cancer and her kidney was removed and she of people with lung cancer requires... Where cancer may have spread to, but rather an observation that be! Of metabolic activity have a freind who has a collapsed lung and a shadow her! Out in between breaths be here now CT is more detailed than a chest X-ray for visualizing the normal in. Advantages and limitations my life my Mom and Dad were there for me all the way through my journey possible! In this case, the term `` functional loss '' should be used for educational and entertainment only. Complications to other organs a mass for time off feel suffocating and pass out in between breaths believe my. Going to ask work for time off had ovarian 6 years ago and battles through it she kidney! Time is called tidal volume ( VT ) to join and natural ways you can prevent them old. And her kidney was removed and she to ask work for time off get on your Mom good. Lungs is a shadow on the lungs Content on this Site is in... Lump or nodule on a CT scan and further X-ray and they decided it not. Normally lasts 1-2 weeks & then i 'm down with acute bronchitis i... Carbon monoxide, which forms when a person smokes, their lungs struggle to get rid carbon. They must be monitored carefully by their physicians have turned our world up side down that are cancerous! Where cancer may have spread to, but please let us know way. Transplant as i was to go on i think they will do a might!