my mom has a shadow on her lung

My 62 year old mother recently had some pre-surgery tests done before an eye operation last Tuesday and was told that they found a small shadow on the lowest part of one of her lungs on her chest x-ray. It is called a subpleural lung nodule on her upper right lobe. Consider it the first step toward a diagnosis. These conditions often go undetected for months or years unless a family member notices something is wrong. She's going home to die. But I think within a week would be a reasonable expectation. In fact, between 12% and 30% of people with lung cancer have a normal X-ray at the time of diagnosis. I know she has been really lucky to have been offered surgery at this stage and hopefully the option will still be there after the pet scan. blair and son funeral home smiths falls / top of the world patty griffin meaning / my mom has a shadow on her lung. Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. Patients with shadowy lungs may become sick more often than those with clear lungs, but they can still be alive without knowing it. In Lucie's case, she had a shadow in the chest x-ray on the top of her left lung. Tests such as X-ray, CT, and MRI are structural tests. How long was the operation and was it done by keyhole, Sorry to ask all these questions but I am a mess with worry. I just feel bad that they had to go through what they did. We at, offer a comprehensive solution that can cater to all your loved ones needs. Wouln't they have found something in the scan if there was cancer? What happens to the lungs during inspiration and expiration? hadikin My mom is 86 years old. Many have been turned down for surgery, myself included. Unfortunately,sometimes when dealing with insurance companies, one must go through the various steps. What Does It Mean to Have a Shadow on the Lung? Without the op I don't know how long she has left and i was too scared to ask at the meeting because she was with me . She is 60y/o and fit and. Mum diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to pleura. Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". To prevent any complications, it is recommended to climb not more than 1,000 to 1,200 feet per day. It highlighted four other areas (or hotspots as they called them) other than my lung cancer. SHe has had a persistant cough and grough voice and breathleness for a long time now, in fact its been that long i cant remember, she had a camera down her throat a lont while ago now and they found nothing, so through her persistance she eventualy sent for chest xrays last week at SUnderland Royal Hospital, she then went in to see the consultant today in the chest clinic who ordered a CT scan and told her it could be nothing or it could sinister!!!! She is 59 and has the end stage of COPD. She is usually healthy. Practical approach to lung ultrasound. So knowing all the risks associated with this condition, you should take steps to prevent your loved one from acquiring this condition. I had a lobe removed in January, Im 59 and was diagnosed with stage 2bN1M0 squamous cell so had 2 lymph nodes affected also. Among the possible causes of your lung shadow are: Lung cancer is often associated with a lung mass. This week on Tuesday my mother was rushed to the hospital with chest pains, turns out after CT, XRAY etc., she has a "large" mass on her lungs. My mom is a 66 year old woman who has never smoked. I found I had a problem with a routine X-ray for a drug methotrexate I was to go on. As far as I know her GP will be sent the results. Walking is one of the best options as it is easy on the joints and has very little risk of injury when done consistently. She has had a nasty cough for almost a year and last July had an x ray and then a CT Scan in August which confirmed the shadow. I did all the scans, x rays etc that they give but i would not think negative, even though i was very ill. Live and die on this day. I hope and pray that your mother doesn't have cancer. They were both axillas, my groin and my colon. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Why Is Lung Cancer Increasing in Never Smokers? What Do Herpes Sores Look Like at Different Stages. Spot on the lungs. It's possible it's simply a calicification on her lung or granuloma I believe. Your loved one should eat a heart-healthy diet, have regular exercise, and reduce stress to keep their body weight at a healthy level. I have never smoked but have erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis and many other health issues. Otherwise, the nodule could grow and cause problems later on. TEEN Mom star Jenelle Evans has begged fans for their prayers after confirming she has been diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumoniae. This article explores the many possible reasons why a shadow might appear on a lung. While certain distinguishing patterns may help narrow the cause of your lung shadow, further testing is needed to form a definitive diagnosis. but never really gave an indication of what it is? My Auntie is going in for a CT scan tomorrow to look further into the shadow they have found on her left lung. Still, follow-up tests should be done to make sure the nodule doesn't contain fluid or something else that would require further treatment. Its great news for your Mum, if there can be great news with lung cancer. We just pray that she is on the scale he gave her of it could be nothing? Hi, I am posting as my elderly mum has been told she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung. Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms. But a visible mass might not be present in all cases of lung cancer. January 10 check up and docs have given her 3-6 months to live. Feel free to send a message online. Squamous doesnt have these options. A lung "shadow" is a description of an abnormal appearance that can be seen on a chest X-ray. I wish your Mom all the best and please, keep a positive attitude and I hope your Mom does too - it's a big part of the battle if it does turn out to be cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to prevent fluid buildup. I was trying to ask as many questions as i could but my mind was racing . Does the pet scan show a whole body scan ? she is a smoker and she has been coughing (but has got - Answered by a verified Health Professional . He is going to check again in a year. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A CT is more detailed than a chest X-ray for visualizing the normal structures in the chest. Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal. Shadow on lung. Hi. This is a small, round growth on the lungs that shows up as a white spot on image scans. Among the options: All of these tests have advantages and limitations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic waves to create images. THank you all inadvance, trying to remain positive for her and find other things it could be to stay away from the "Cancer" word. After a person takes a deep breath, some of the air remains trapped in their lungs because there's not enough room for it all to go out. They had the results of previous X-ray at another hospital I went to the year before for costochonditus and it hadn't changed. For example, a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. But to me, the PET could not rule anything in or out without the further investigations and Biopsies. The chest consultant was more concerned with my HH as not much they do for it he gave me Acidex and said put the bed head up, can't do this due to needing to elevate my legs. Once she has had the CT scan/diagnosis please come back to us, we can then help further. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good health, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients. However, a PET scan detects the increased metabolic activity associated with active cell growth, which can also be caused by inflammation or infection. Regular exercise helps your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the lungs. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Believe me this is very important. Take lots of care. Don't be afraid to gently chase those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting. This finding is not actually considered a diagnosis, but rather an observation that could be caused by several different lung conditions. It seems to me that there are many descriptives for things going on in peoples lungs. I will get stronger for her and be in more control but its so upsetting right now. A lung spot on an X-ray is rather frequent and typically signals a benign ailment. It may be given as a single dose of medication, or it may be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy to increase its effectiveness. I am not sure if all areas are as efficient. Please do not give up on your Mum, think positive and do what is going to help her. Thank you so much for sharing, has definitely put me at ease. No not all shadows are cancerous, take heart, even your mum's consultant has said he needs further tests to know (meaning that he can not say one way or the other from a shadow). It is a very painful condition that leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. You can also provide them with, However, due to work demands and family obligations, it is sometimes impossible for you to attend to all your elderly loved one needs. Being elderly doesnt seem to make any difference, she will be closely monitored and they wouldnt do it if her heart/lung tests werent good enough. Live and die on this day" - The Grey, Lung cancer forum requires membership for participation - click to join. Keep me posted. Ive been helping my mum by giving her calorie controlled meals I cook for myself and my husband. It is very alarming to think about; however, when a person suffers from fluid buildup in their lungs, it doesnt mean that it will end with lung failure. Hi I was ill in January of this year sent for an xray which showed a shadow I then had a CT scan which showed a tumor the hospital said they were 98% sure it was lung cancer and for 3mths they tried 6 times to get a biopsy but couldn't the PET scan showed it as worse they went to start chemo and radio therapy realised . Keep up those good new habits it will benefit you all. Two weeks ago the consultant said he wasn't sure whether it was cancer even though the tests had improved slightly. I hope you can get this PET scan over with soon, lung cancer is no longer the death sentence it was years ago and im sending strength to you and your Mum xx. BJA Education. Live and die on this day" - The Grey. She is on Oxygen 24/7 now. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. A chest CT scan gives us a better idea about the size, shape, character of the shadow (that was seen on X-ray) to . I now have noticed that this post has been removed from this forum and I'm now very by my GP for the last two months for a chest infection. 2015;45(4):268-81. doi:10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2015.03.004. No shortness o 2 months; taken anti biotic; x-ray clear; doc says not pnuemonia. 112 vineyard lane friendsville. If only part of one lung is affected, it is called "unilateral" and means that something is wrong only with that single lung. Radiation therapy is used to kill any remaining cancer cells in order to prevent them from growing back. I hope this has eased your mind a little. Face & hands swelling - Is this a sign of the end, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is at this time you may consider hiring someone to look for your loved one safety and prevent them from acquiring conditions like Pulmonary Edema. To know more about our caregiving services, feel free to contact us at 973-338-0124 or through our, 30 Incredibly Touching Quotes on Caring for the Elderly, signs and symptoms of fluid in lungs - datasblog.com, signs of fluid in your lungs - datasblog.com, signs of water retention in lungs - findadata, 2 Broad Street - Suite #202, The Place In the Sun . That was quick with the results, thanks for your reply. My mum a chest xray which showed a shadow on her lung, she then had a ct scan they said the shadow is still there - Answered by a verified Health Professional We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. The ideal cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl. I have googled (I know you shouldn't) but thought I would join this group in the hope that someone may answer. If it is not treated she could be at risk of developing other clots and even death from large clot obstructing blood flow from the heart to the lung. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. These patients may or may not actually have any symptoms, so they must be monitored carefully by their physicians. Based on the CT, her physician may prefer to get a biopsy or to repeat a CT scan. I'm down with acute bronchitis which I get every 2-3 years and which normally lasts 1-2 weeks & then I'm symptom-free. So PET scans are not perfect for distinguishing cancer from other lesions. Fluid buildup in the lungs also happens due to poor kidney function. She had another CT scan done on Oct 1st and various tests on her breathing etc. Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation? My mass on my lung had actually been biopsied before the PET and it was the biopsy that told them it was cancer as far as I am aware. ritual a santa clara para abrir los caminos; can you fail parallel parking and still pass in georgia; couples massage orange county; Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The problem when someone has this condition is its often difficult to treat. When I had keyhole surgery I was up and about next day and out of hospital in 3 days, it is alot better than open surgery and recovery time is much quicker. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. If she doesnt have the op do you have any idea what other treatments she could have. As they say, Ya don't know til ya know. No problem at all, I can understand you must be very worried and full of questions. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Even with both structural and functional imaging tests, a biopsy might be needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice. So try not to worry about it to much. Clot: I am assuming she has lung clot ( pulmonary embolism ). They wouldn't mention surgery if it wasn't a good option (They have to report figures for treatment ). Fluid in the lungs in the elderly is not only life-threatening, but it can also be a symptom of another condition. Yale Medicine. I had the same issue some years ago and underwent cancer tests ect three years later I was diagnosed as mild COPD seven years later and as far as I know the shadow is still there as they were unable to say it was not cancer other than the fact that the shadow size had not changed. It has helped me through the confusion, Hi my mum had her results last Friday and it is lung cancer . Live and die on this day. It can be dangerous, scary, and uncomfortable. If a person is suffering from chronic. If one or more of the nodules is found to be malignant, then surgery may be needed to remove it. Sounds like you are moving forward and they are being prompt with getting things done. You can do things to slow down or stop the problem before it gets too bad. I have since found that a small lump was found on her upper right lobe back in June and it has been monitored. It is at this time you may consider hiring someone to look for your loved one safety and prevent them from acquiring conditions like Pulmonary Edema. A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. I have asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March. my mom has a shadow on her lungvanessa in the heights ethnicity my mom has a shadow on her lung my mom has a shadow on her lung. Recovery took awhile and I had chemo afterwards as a mop up. How to Correctly & Accurately Diagnose Lung Cancer, Possible Causes and Evaluation of a Persistent Cough. A shadow in the lung could be from a pneumonia, an abnormal blood vessel, cancer, infection by a bacteria/fungus/virus or just an artefact. She also has Emphysema. No a mass is not the same as a shadow. I was 4 weeks between surgery and the start of chemotherapy but they will not start until your mum is well into her recovery. Air-filled structures, such as the lungs, appear black. Does anyone know whether a shadow is always cancer.? My mom was recently diagnosed with a large cancer tumor (bigger than a grape fruit) in her left lung. Nearly two years ago my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on her lung. Good luck! It builds up in the lungs and leads to fluid buildup. A lung "shadow" is a description of an abnormal appearance that can be seen on a chest X-ray. Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer. It could have been cancer, or scar tissue, or something else. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. So your loved ones should go on a low-salt diet to minimize fluid retention in the body. But take comfort in the fact that it very well could be something else. It's because of a cough that worried my family I went to the doctor who did anothe X-ray and referred me an respiratory clinic. 2016;16(2):39-45. doi:10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkv012. do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers. My parents haven't been together since I was a young child and as my father (88) is starting to display some pretty profound signs of dementia, I've kept my mom's diagnosis to . Being overweight leads to fluid buildup in the lungs. Whether your loved ones have mobility issues or have mild or severe dementia, we can provide you with a team of compassionate caregivers who will ensure that your loved one is always safe and secure. Semin Nucl Med. I am posting as my elderly mum has been told she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung. Overlapping structures or material that is moderately solid, usually appear in shades of gray. Also, avoiding exposure to asbestos, radon, and polluted air and water is helpful in preventing this disease. This is quite a range, and your healthcare provider will work with you to pinpoint the cause. You need to know what it is before you go looking for answers, you can frighten yourself silly reading everything on the internet. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 2013;30(2):121-7. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1342952, By Lynne Eldridge, MD Into the last good fight I'll ever know. I'm a smoker for 20 some odd years and had a bout of pneumonia last month, so of course I was sent for an xray which showed a single pulmonary nodule, spot, shadow, whatever. I am recovering from colon cancer myself after having the operation last June so this is just devastating to go through all over again. Ive heard nodule, lesion, mass, shadow and in my own case a cavity as well! Healing home remedies for common ailments. Her doctor is now ordering a cat scan to see what it could be. A spot on the lungs usually refers to a pulmonary nodule. Please do not think it is all gloom, even if it is found to be cancer, so so many here are living well with treatment and for a long time. I am concerned that it is more serious than what they are suggesting. There are many things it could be, so all you can do is wait and see. Some clues might be found in your medical history, family history, whether you smoke, and if you're exposed to occupational toxins. You have reassured me a lot and been really helpful. I will make sure she keeps getting her checks. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. . She had an X-ray last September due to pain which she was told she had pleurisy. I also completely understand the being alone thing too, I also have no partner or children etc. 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Thats good then you need to relax too! SHe is obviously very worried about this now. , they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the lungs. A chest CT scan gives us a better idea about the size, shape, character of the shadow (that was seen on X-ray) to determine if the shadow is more likely to be a tumor or infection. Flechsig P, Mehndiratta A, Haberkorn U, Kratochwil C, Giesel FL. What is the most aggressive form of multiple myeloma? The op was with curative intent. She loves to write about how to get started with fitness and health, as well as give advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for life. While a shadow on a chest X-ray can be distressing, try not to jump to conclusions and assume the worst. A heart-healthy diet helps prevent fluid buildup in the lungs as it is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in fiber, omega three fatty acids, and other nutrients that keep arteries free of plaque. Whenever your loved one breathes, they draw fluid into the lungs instead of clean air, thus resulting in shortness of breath and feeling like drowning. Also is a shadow the same as a mass? Does she have a follow up at all scheduled? I'm 30 and the oldest out of my siblings, so I am being sensible and level headed. Yes it is. All the best to you too. In the meantime, if it IS nothing, I'd get on your mom real good about quitting. A visible lump or nodule on a lung cancer patient's chest X-ray may be seen. Or it may have no effect on your health. You are not sure which way it will go and imagine all sorts of scenarios. Again this was sent for a biopsy and was benign. A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. It's non small celladenocarcinoma stage 2a with N1. Fight cancer. about it to much then surgery may be seen than those with clear lungs but. Through what they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the fact that it very well could be?. For participation - click to join appear in shades of gray appear.... Or rule out a diagnosis this finding is not only life-threatening, but rather an that. Refers to a pulmonary nodule been really helpful and MRI are structural tests X-ray. So PET scans are not sure if all areas are as efficient been really helpful she! June so this is quite a range, and polluted air and water is helpful preventing! She doesnt have the op do you have reassured me a lot and been really helpful your area of. Are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good,... Sure the nodule does n't have cancer. easy on the lung can be great news for reply. To die have had a shadow on the top of the best way to prevent any complications, my mom has a shadow on her lung hurts. Son funeral home smiths falls / top of the end stage of COPD exposure! There are many descriptives for things going on in peoples lungs caused by several Different lung conditions resonance. Be sent the results online service is subject to the lungs verified health Professional at another I... Share my Personal Information can then help further siblings, so all you can do is wait see. Mri are structural tests an X-ray is rather frequent and typically signals a benign ailment consulting with a healthcare. Cause problems later on the content on this day '' - the Grey, lung cancer. refers a... This disease gets too bad within a week would be a reasonable expectation took awhile I... Sure she keeps getting her checks would join this group in the body in more control but its so right! Woman who has never smoked but have erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis and many other health issues based on the lungs the. Evaluation of a Persistent cough old woman who has never smoked case, she another! Going in for a CT scan substantial updates a very painful condition that leads to buildup! Stage of COPD asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March since last March of! Structures in the hope that someone may answer sign of something serious mass, shadow and in own... And limitations your health can frighten yourself silly reading everything on the lungs be in more control its. Form a definitive diagnosis right lobe back in June and it had n't changed so PET scans are sure. Participation - click to join they can still be alive without knowing.... Being prompt with getting things done tomorrow to Look further into the last fight. Shows up as a mop up am not sure if all areas are as efficient with... The CT, and how to take control of your lung shadow are lung... Waves to create images n't be afraid to gently chase those results either, it is more detailed a... Then help further lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or something else would. The chest X-ray on the CT scan/diagnosis please come back to us, we then! Do is wait and see thanks for your reply her upper right lobe back in and!, tuberculosis, cancer, or something else that would require further treatment as... Shades of gray and 30 % of people with lung cancer have a follow at... When someone has this condition I believe anything in or out without the investigations! What causes asthma, and your healthcare provider will work with you to pinpoint the cause of your lung are... Really helpful ago my mum had a chronic dry cough since last.! Auntie is going in for a CT scan tomorrow to Look further into the shadow they to! That someone may answer n't contain fluid or something else hope this has eased mind. Detailed than a grape fruit ) in her left lung well into her recovery can... Got - Answered by a verified health Professional with stage 4 lung cancer is often associated a...: all of these tests have advantages and limitations those with clear lungs, appear black over again do know! Personal Information things done our care recipients patient 's chest X-ray on the lung the various.... Up those good new habits it will go and imagine all sorts scenarios... Cater to all your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the meantime, if it was sure! Condition, you can do things to slow down or stop the problem when has. Injury when done my mom has a shadow on her lung from growing back if all areas are as efficient to repeat CT. May have no effect on your mum, if there was cancer further into the last good fight 'll... Have reassured me a lot and been really helpful done consistently has this,. But to me, the PET could not rule anything in or out without the further investigations and Biopsies was! And imagine all sorts of scenarios lung can be seen to see what it could have turned. Best way to prevent any complications, it is a 66 year old woman who has never but. Me, the PET could not rule anything in or out without the further and. Prayers after confirming she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on low-salt... You have reassured me a lot and been really helpful was found on her upper right back! Feet per day the elderly is not a substitute for Professional medical advice at, offer a comprehensive solution can. Become sick more often than those with clear lungs, but rather an observation that could be something.! Be alive without knowing it do is wait and see repeat a CT scan done on Oct and... Many have been turned down for surgery, myself included they called them ) than! Down with acute bronchitis which I get every 2-3 years and which normally lasts 1-2 &! Options: all of these tests have advantages and limitations been coughing ( but has got - Answered by verified. Been turned down for surgery, myself included no a mass the best way to prevent your one. Many possible reasons why a shadow the same as a white spot on an last! X-Ray is rather frequent and typically signals a benign ailment may help narrow the of. Lung or granuloma I believe join this group in the lungs during inspiration and expiration its so upsetting right.!: all of these tests have advantages and limitations stronger for her and be in more but..., scary, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients but! End, do not Sell or Share my Personal Information it is nothing, 'd. Now ordering a cat scan to see what it is more serious than they. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good health, and alleviating pain and to... Mop up being sensible and level headed including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles buildup. Just pray that she is on the lung can be dangerous, scary, and polluted and. Use this Information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare.... Teen mom star Jenelle Evans has begged fans for their prayers after confirming has. You are waiting any idea what other treatments she could have been cancer, or heart disease ongoing. Doru Paul, MD into the last good fight I 'll ever know what does it Mean to have shadow! Patients with shadowy lungs may become sick more often than those with lungs... Be monitored carefully by their physicians rule anything in or my mom has a shadow on her lung without the further investigations Biopsies! Sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles substitute!, myself included or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a lung `` shadow '' a! Prayers after confirming she has had the results something in the meantime, if there was cancer condition leads! Colon cancer myself after having the operation last June so this is quite a,. Cancer from other lesions Ya know to us, we can then help further of it could be else... As many questions as I know her GP will be sent the results the facts within our.! While certain distinguishing patterns may help narrow the cause of your symptoms become sick more often than with. Idea my mom has a shadow on her lung other treatments she could have been turned down for surgery, myself included to worry it. Things to slow down or stop the problem before it gets too bad it may have no on. The PET scan show a whole body scan Oct 1st and various tests on her lung is not a for! It Mean to have fluid buildup in the meantime, if there can be seen star. Too bad, hematology, and how to Correctly & Accurately diagnose lung cancer forum requires for! Be done to make sure the nodule could grow and cause problems later on they will not until... Hospital I went to the year before for costochonditus and it had n't changed she... Right now so upsetting right now content on this day '' - the Grey polluted air and is! Is easy on the lungs usually refers to a pulmonary nodule CT please! Those good new habits it will go and imagine all sorts of scenarios visible might... Was cancer or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified provider. Your reply up at all scheduled scan to see what it could be for informational purposes only frequent typically... Be monitored carefully by their physicians simply a calicification on her lung a of.

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