HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Diagnosed With Lung Cancer. On Radiotherapy And Chemotherapy Before Surgery. Recent MRI Showing Tumor Near Spinal Cord. How This Was Not Detected Earlier?

Hi my 51 yr old father has recently been diagonsed with lung cancer April 2012. we was initally told that it was treatable and curable by using chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy in order to shrink the tumor (4.5cm) small enough in order for it to be surgically removed. We was also told that The tumor is located at the top right hand lung, and is touching the ribs as to why it needs to be shrunk. my father has undertaken two courses of chemotherapy so far. Today my father went to an appointment to discuss the use of radiotherapy. He was then told that the original strength of radiotherapy suggested is too strong as the recent mri scan has shown it to be too close to the spinal cord . This is very distressing and shocking news as we was not made aware that the tumor was any were near the spinal cord. my father has been made to believe the disease he has is curable and has now been given this shocking news. the questions we would like to ask is: 1) because of the positioning of the tumor was there any way of knowing this at the initial diagnosis and they have chosen to keep this away from my father? what is my fathers likely prognosis? we would be very grateful for your response.
Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Report Abuse
Oncologist 's  Response
the details you have given are not clear. you said he was diagnosed in 2012 but received only two courses of chemo so far. how is that possible. if he was diagnosed in 2012 and completed therapy, what he has now is recurrence of cancer, which is possible. All fear cancer because of chances of recurrence. Lung cancer is not 100% curable and recurrence rates increase as stage increases. We try to achieve longest possible life with the available technology. even when recurrence occurs life can be prolonged with good quality with the available medicines now
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Brain tumor


Loading Online Doctors....
Diagnosed With Lung Cancer. On Radiotherapy And Chemotherapy Before Surgery. Recent MRI Showing Tumor Near Spinal Cord. How This Was Not Detected Earlier?

the details you have given are not clear. you said he was diagnosed in 2012 but received only two courses of chemo so far. how is that possible. if he was diagnosed in 2012 and completed therapy, what he has now is recurrence of cancer, which is possible. All fear cancer because of chances of recurrence. Lung cancer is not 100% curable and recurrence rates increase as stage increases. We try to achieve longest possible life with the available technology. even when recurrence occurs life can be prolonged with good quality with the available medicines now