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What Does My X-ray Report Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Aug 2017
Question: Hello!! Hopefully you can help to put my mind at ease. Chest xray showed 6x4 cm mass rt lung on 6/29/17. done due to my c/o of cough, wheezing etc. I am an active 71 and breast cancer survivor(invasive lobular carcinoma) with bil mastectomies (ca rt breast) and chemo 2007. Hx flu in Dec. 2016. Ct scan done 6/30/17 which indicates "thickening of horizontal fissure rt midlung field'. What would be a healthy amount of worry should I be experiencing??
Being on Medicare no Pulmonalogy dr. will take me..... can get into see a PA Aug 2. I live in XXXXXXX AK
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A tumor must be ruled out!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this finding. After reviewing your information, we must be concerned about cancer. This might be a secondary focus from the initial cancer or a new cancer. I will say we need to be reasonably alert and yes, the best way to address a problem is to first identify and treat. A lung biopsy would be highly helpful.

I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (57 minutes later)
Thank you very much for such a prompt reply.

How does a 6x4 mass go to a thickening? What does "thickening" mean? What exactly is a thickening? Comparison with chest xray done in Dec 2016 for flu/chest congestion r/o pneumonia did not show any masses. Comparison with ct scan 2/16/14 did not show this.

I have been an RN for 50 yrs. and an EMT for 12. This is the first time I have heard this.

Thank you again for your assistance.
Am I looking at a future bronscopy (sp) and or a needle biopsy or even a thoracotomy??

doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This must be a new mass!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thickening and the mass are very different. If this were thickening, the dimensions would not this this big. I will say it is a new development. CT scan should be able to further evaluate this mass and the decision for biopsy considered. The approach for biopsy would depend on the exact location and which access route would easily get there.

I wish you well. I know it is difficult but we can only but deal with existing challenges at hand.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Does My X-ray Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: A tumor must be ruled out! Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this finding. After reviewing your information, we must be concerned about cancer. This might be a secondary focus from the initial cancer or a new cancer. I will say we need to be reasonably alert and yes, the best way to address a problem is to first identify and treat. A lung biopsy would be highly helpful. I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.