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How Can Lung Cancer Be Treated?

Posted on Tue, 23 May 2017

Question: hi how are you my name is XXXXXXX my husband just find out he has lung cancer what kind the question i should ask doctor

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
histology is important

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

you haven't provided much information about your husband's case, so I can only make some general points.
Histology is important. If your husband has done a biopsy then the type of cancer is important regarding treatment and survival. There are various types of lung cancer, some more aggressive than others and different treatment strategies may apply in different cases. So an accurate diagnosis, the extent of the disease ('early' usually means it has not spread elsewhere) and the treatment options have to be clarified with your doctor.

I don't know if that's what you were asking about. If you'd like more information, please be more specific in your question.

Kind Regards!

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (46 minutes later)

I am sorry i will tell you from the begin. Indication: cough for 3 weeks, R05 Cough

Comparison: None.

Findings/Impression: Focal airspace opacity within the right middle lobe,
which may represent atelectasis or pneumonia in the appropriate clinical
setting. Recommend radiographic follow-up to resolution. Alternatively a CT
may be obtained for further evaluation, as clinically indicated. No pleural
effusion or pneumothorax. The cardiomediastinal silhouette and pulmonary
vasculature are unremarkable.

Electronically Signed by: XXXXXXX Cole, MD
Electronically Signed on: 2/3/2017 9:05 AM

we have 2 time x ray one CT scan the result is the same so our family made appointment for Bronchocopy and ultrasound and biopsy. I want to know when I see the cancer Dr. what kind the question I ask him is that more clear. Thank You

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
more investigation is required

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional information. I understand that he still has some tests to do before your doctor can see the complete picture. The report you've uploaded (a chest X-ray I suppose) describes an opacity in the right lung. Such opacities can be caused by infections and tumors in most cases.

Bronchoscopy and biopsy are crucial to determine an accurate diagnosis. At this point you can only ask about potential causes of the radiographic findings and the procedures to come. Regarding the potential causes, if infection is ruled out then cancer is the most likely diagnosis. The CT is one of the most important modalities to diagnose cancer. Biopsy will identify the type of tumor.

So in conclusion, more investigation is required before your doctor has more to tell you. At this point you can only get information about various potential causes and the procedures your doctor ordered (bronchoscopy, biopsy).

Kind Regards!

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Sorry I didn't made my self clear Dr. we already did biopsy and bronchoscope that is why we fine out he have lung cancer my question is we going to see cancer Dr. tomorrow what kind the question I should ask him.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prognosis is what matters the most

Detailed Answer:
I see... prognosis is the most important aspect of this disease. The doctor should explain his chances for survival and the treatment options. Usually the doctor provides the necessary explanations even if the patient does not ask about them. One thing to consider is the quality of life and how the disease is going to affect it.

I believe that these are the most important things to know. There are many potential outcomes including complete recovery, so you and your husband should have a good idea of the chances.

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (16 minutes later)

Thank you I understand my honey is 73 years old very healthy man if he need surgery I know recovery is very important but he will be healthy man again or not

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It depends

Detailed Answer:
That's exactly the question you should ask. I can't answer your question because I don't have all the required data. Your doctor can evaluate the extent of the disease (whether it's confined to the lungs or if it has spread outside the lungs), the size of the tumor, histology and immunohistochemistry to determine its prognosis (outlook).
Only then can your question be answered. There are cases where surgical removal of the tumor may result in cure but in many cases the tumor prevails. The data will help your doctor estimate his chances.

Best wishes!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana