Possible lung malignancy

I have CPFE (pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema) and was in hospital with pneumonia 4 months ago.  A scan i had , the doctors thought there was something showing in the lung which they felt and presumed could be a lung malignancy and could not confirm any diagnosis.   After discharge I requested a second opinion and therefore had a CT scan again to clarify the doubt.  After consultation they still stated they coukd nit say it was lung cancer,  further told  there was nothing else they could.  They said they will arrange a further Scan for end of January 2025.  

my great concern is that is this safe to leave this dubious cancer diagnosis till next year and is there anything i could do to clarify this.  What if it is cancer and by next year it has spread, where would that leave me?

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I can appreciate the worry you have. 

    However, your scan results will have been reported by a specialist doctor and may have been discussed at the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting.  If there is a concern that there could be cancer then a decision needs to be made about what to do next. Often that will mean rescanning, when this is best done is decided upon by the specialist team. They need to be sure that when you are next scanned it is at the time that gives the best information and that if there are any changes they will be seen. Doing this earlier will not necessarily show changes.

    All, I can say if you are worried is to talk it through with your GP.  Or you may consider asking for a second opinion

    You may also 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.

    Take care,

    Caroline