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Are Spots On Lungs With History Of Colon Cancer A Serious Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2015
Question: I recently had colon cancer surgery and was determined to be free of the disease. I also did not need chemo, just regular colonoscopies and follow up. While talking to my oncologist, she said I had spots on my lungs and wants me to get a chest xray, which I am doing today. I was so focused on the chemo issue when she said this, I didn't follow up with her then, but after thinking about it, now I am concerned. How concerned should I be at this point?
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I wil nt be particularly concerned given that you were cancer free!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

If you were confirmed to have cancer, then I would have been worried to find out what these nodules in the lungs are as they could be suggestive of metastases. .With no confirmed cancer, these nodes would likely not be concerning. I will want to sit and see what the reports say. However, not likely to be related to any cancer of the colon as the primary cancer must be confirmed before we can think of secondary spread. I know it is a heavy and disturbing thought to think about this but right now, there are enough reasons to think it is not the case. Be relaxed!

My advice is that you stay calm follow through with the investigations and know that these nodules in the lungs are less likely to be related to colon cancer.

I hope this helps. I wish you will. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (37 minutes later)
If not cancer, what might explain the spots?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
They could be lymph nodes, particulate mater deposits, infections,, etc!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your worries. Talking of metastases without primary cancer is not a possibility at this time.

Your doctors need to control these findings with previous x-rays to make sure they are new and not findings that has be there for a long time. This could be as a result of previous infections, swollen lymph nodes, blood vessels changes, etc. Only a detailed further imaging and carefully examination of medical records would make the clear difference.

Be patient, follow through and am confident all would be okay.

I wish you well.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6321 Questions

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Are Spots On Lungs With History Of Colon Cancer A Serious Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: I wil nt be particularly concerned given that you were cancer free! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. If you were confirmed to have cancer, then I would have been worried to find out what these nodules in the lungs are as they could be suggestive of metastases. .With no confirmed cancer, these nodes would likely not be concerning. I will want to sit and see what the reports say. However, not likely to be related to any cancer of the colon as the primary cancer must be confirmed before we can think of secondary spread. I know it is a heavy and disturbing thought to think about this but right now, there are enough reasons to think it is not the case. Be relaxed! My advice is that you stay calm follow through with the investigations and know that these nodules in the lungs are less likely to be related to colon cancer. I hope this helps. I wish you will. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.