Biopsy vs Surgery in suspected lung cancer

Hi everyone,

I have asked for a lung biopsy prior to surgery, but am having to go private as the cancer clinic wanted me to go straight for a wedge section or segment removal. So with only moderate SUV uptake and a 2cm lesion in the lower right lung, it seemed to make sense to go through the biopsy procedure (CT guided needle aspiration) first.

Part of me is scared I should have gone straight for surgery, but the other half says wait and see if it is definitely malignant. Has anyone else been through this? Tuesday is the big day. Thanks for any advice …

  • Hello Britething

    I wanted to post a reply to send you my best wishes ahead of your biopsy tomorrow. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about the situation you find yourself in. 

    It can be a worrying time when the advice from the specialists doesn't sit 100% comfortably but you have chosen the path that you feel is best for you and hopefully, when you receive the results of tomorrow's biopsy, you'll be feeling more confident with whatever next steps are recommended. 

    Do let us know how you get on. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you for your kind wishes.

    I will be back to post an update. Wishing everyone all the best on here.

  • Hello Jenn,

    It was a very long day. They asked me to come in at 7:30 but didn’t take me up to surgery till 12:30. No food since the evening before. I was exhausted and feeling faint by the time I went in.

    A little short of breath since the procedure, but no infection or bleeding. Results in around 10 days they said. Just playing the waiting game now.

    I’ll be back with an update. Best wishes to all.