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Multiple Tiny Spots on Lungs

Newday2024
Offline

Rectum cancer operation 1 year ago in May.  Yearly tests came back everything was fine except CT scan which showed:-

'Multiple tiny spots on lungs

1 spot on liver - unspecific

An ultra sound was carried out on liver before operation.  A cyst was found, which is what I think the spot on liver is.

Urgent MRI scan done.  Still waiting over 2 weeks now for the results.

The consultant thinks it is cancer.  Can someone tell from a CT scan if the tiny spots on lungs are cancer?  A biopsy is not an option as they are too small.

Thank you.

  • Hello Newday 2024 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about the treatment you had for a rectal cancer last year.

    This must be a worrying time for you waiting for the MRI scan results to check out these lung spots. Waiting for any tests to come back is never easy and appreciate you have some questions about these.

    I'm afraid until the results are in and you speak with your own specialist, no one can tell you any more.

    If you have had previous images taken of your lungs and they were clear then this is where the suspicion from your doctor comes about this possibly being cancer. However it is only further tests and in your case the MRI that can actually confirm this to be the case.

    I really hope you know more very soon. If you haven't already you could contact your consultants secretary and ask if they can check if the MRI report is back and the doctor has seen it as yet.

    I really hope everything works out for you.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thank you for your message.    If the hospital looks at the CT scan and MRI scan can they tell if the spots are cancer? The spots are too small for a biopsy and  a PET CT scan has not been offered.  I presume because the spots are not big enough.  The hospital has been called a couple of times.  The report is not back (waited 15 days so far).  No spots a year ago on scan.  Oncology have been copied on the urgent MRI scan report.  I have googled NHS sites and Cancer Research UK.  The information I have found states spots are very common and they are usually monitored by additional CT scans to see if they get bigger, disappear or change shape.  No additional information has been provided by the hospital.

  • in reply to Newday2024

    Hello and thanks for your further post

    Lung spots ( lung nodules) are quite common and may be nothing to worry about.  In many cases these are benign (non-cancer related) but in a small number of patients it might mean that it's cancer . So they will need monitoring.

    It is not always possible to know the cause of lung nodules from scans alone. They are often too small and are not easy to get a biopsy. Doctors follow clinical guidance when looking at lung nodules. This helps them to decide what types of nodules need to be followed up to see if they change.  It is often the case of repeating scans and monitoring any changes in the nodules.

    There is some information written by the NHS on lung nodules which you may find helpful to read.

    I think the best thing to do would be to talk things over with your doctor when your results. They should be able to tell you what the next steps are. 

    I hope this helps.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Oncologist meeting arranged.  Does that mean treatment or a general chat?  Can't have anymore radiotherapy as that was given with chemo before the rectum operation and chemo afterwards.

  • in reply to Newday2024

    Hello there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and appreciate the worry this must be causing you.

    Unfortunately no one here can say what the oncologist may speak to you about at your appointment.

    Usually oncologists will assess how a patient is, discuss any recent test results and if there is any treatment needed.

    I hope you know more soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi

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