Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is Lung Cancer Asymptomatic?
My father was diagnosed today with lung cancer, given a week to live. He doesn t look or feel sick. Is this normal? They (the VA in West Palm Beach, FL) did not do a biopsy but said they are certain that he has very advanced lung cancer. He was told his left lung has collapsed and that he should be in the hospital to sustain life. He declined going to the hospital and in fact, is out shopping and dining. I m just astonished that someone who appears to healthy could potentially only have a few days left. Could they be very wrong? (his symptoms are short of breath, and he s had chronic neck/shoulder pain for a few months that he was told was neuropathy).
Fri, 27 Dec 2013
hi friend
i am sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis
i must say that yes
cancer does happen with no symptoms at all til the very late stages
having said that
cancer can mimic many other diseases
and therefore difficult to diagnose
that in fact is the reason why most of the cancers
which can be effectively treated are not fully treated
because by the time they are detected they are out of control
and spread beyond a local region
and therefore not fully treatable by radiation or surgery
in your father's case
i would suggest you meet a cardiothoracic surgeon too
if the dr feels they are up to it
maybe resection of a part of the lung will help
but i have no idea about his scans
so i dont know if he is fit for the option
i am just basing my belief assuming that if he is mobile as you say
he might be fit
of course chronic neck and shoulder pain can be neuropathy
as i said cancer can be silent and mimic
hope that answers your query
best of luck
i am sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis
i must say that yes
cancer does happen with no symptoms at all til the very late stages
having said that
cancer can mimic many other diseases
and therefore difficult to diagnose
that in fact is the reason why most of the cancers
which can be effectively treated are not fully treated
because by the time they are detected they are out of control
and spread beyond a local region
and therefore not fully treatable by radiation or surgery
in your father's case
i would suggest you meet a cardiothoracic surgeon too
if the dr feels they are up to it
maybe resection of a part of the lung will help
but i have no idea about his scans
so i dont know if he is fit for the option
i am just basing my belief assuming that if he is mobile as you say
he might be fit
of course chronic neck and shoulder pain can be neuropathy
as i said cancer can be silent and mimic
hope that answers your query
best of luck
I find this answer helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Peripheral neuropathy
Loading Online Doctors....