Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry to read about your mam's situation. This must be a difficult time for you both.

A CT scan can show suspicious changes in the lung like a mass or a nodule and it can sometimes show if there are signs the disease has spread elsewhere ( stage). However, a definite diagnosis normally needs a biopsy.

If your mam's doctors feel she is too frail to have a biopsy or treatment, they wouldn't push for further invasive tests. In this situation, they rely on the CT scan and overall clinical picture to make their best judgement. This explains why you are hearing them say 'suspicious' rather than giving a definite diagnosis, although some doctors may strongly suspect it's cancer.

When patients are not having treatment, it doesn't mean that nothing else can be done. Your mam can be given supportive (palliative) care, with medicines to control any symptoms she may have. Palliative (supportive) care involves easing troublesome symptoms and aiming to improve a patients quality of life and providing emotional support to them and family members. You can read more about their role on the Macmillan website.

I hope this reply is of some help at this very stressful time. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind Regards,

Celene