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What Causes Persistent Cough Despite Having A Mass In Right Lung?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Question: I had a CT scan done last week. The doctor said there was a mass on my right lung. I have a cough since before Christmas. All the medications and cough medicines are not working. It has gotten to the point where I cannot even talk without coughing. When I cough it is deep and sometimes like a bark, other times a high pitched sqeek. Are my worries about cancer warranted? The doctor called it chronic cough so she wants to send me to a Pulmonologist, but has not made me an appointment. Do I need to worry?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
if there is a mass, investigations should be prompt

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns. If there's really a 'mass' then I would recommend further investigations without delay. A biopsy or bronchoscopy is warranted. If you can upload the CT scan report then it would be helpful.

However, a mass on CT and a diagnosis of chronic cough doesn't go together. Chronic cough can be diagnosed if CT is normal. Moreover, the symptoms are also persistent. Hence, a pulmonologist consult is warranted, followed by other specific investigations.

Hope this helps.
Regards

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