Likely lung cancer diagnosis

I hope this OK to post. I'm so worried.

My dad was admitted to hospital on Thursday due to chest pain and an ongoing cough. He has a heart condition so I was preparing to hear that it had worsened. Instead we are now looking at a cancer diagnosis. They spotted a shadow on his xray so he had a CT scan. This showed a mass in one lung, and lymphadenopathy at the centre of his chest. Also a nodule on his thyroid gland. He is due to go back for more tests (he didn't want to stay in hospital). 

My question is, does it sound like it has spread outside of the lung? I'm so worried and the wait for tests and results is unbearable. The only symptom seems to be the cough, although he is also being treated for a chest infection. 

Thank you

 

 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the situation your dad is in and appreciate this must be a worrying time for you all.

    I'm afraid no one here nor anywhere else at the moment can say for sure what is going on or if this is cancer if it has spread or not. Sadly lung cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage but try and hang in there for now until you have a definite diagnosis.

    Unfortunately times like this are nail biting and it is very much a case of sitting tight and waiting for the results to come back.So it really is about waiting to find out what the full picture is and the next steps of action moving forward.

    You may find it useful to read our web pages about lung cancer here but until you have the full facts it may be difficult to know where your dad will fit into all of this information.

    Keep talking to your dad and encourage him to ask the doctors lots of questions to understand more about what is going on.

    I hope you all know more soon but do get back if need be. You can also call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040 Monday-Friday 9-5 if you prefer.

    I wish you and your dad all the best

    Take care

    Naomi