Is back and chest pain simultaneously related to lung cancer?

[z2thunder]

I had a nasty chest infection which started couple of weeks ago, now the cough is better but I'm still having chest pain and upper back pain, sometimes together, back pain mostly happens around the shoulder blades and sometimes in the middle, i also experience some pain when i stretch or twist my torso.

I did an xray which was clean, only slight infection. I was told by the doctor to take Rolenium epenhaler for 30 days which helped with the coughing but not much with the chest and back pain.

Is this normal for chest infection or should i get an MRI to check for lung cancer.

P.S I'm a 22 years old former smoker

[christina1947]

Hi z2thunder so pleased you gave up smoking I am sure you don’t have anything sinister a chest infection is actually pneumonia that’s what they told me at the hospital (all infections on the lungs is pneumonia) it takes a long time to clear completely and coughs and aches and pains linger weeks after the infection is cleared take care xxx

[z2thunder in reply to christina1947]

Thank you for the reassurance, you have no idea how much i needed that.

[2greys]

Step one: An X-ray will show an anomaly.

Step two: A CT Scant to determineIf there is a nodule followed by another CT Scan after 3 months to see if there has been any growth.

Step three: A PET Scan. Along with a Radiographers diagnosis on the activity of a detected nodule. There may be a needle biopsy ordered depending on where any detected active tumour resides.

You are then presented, if cancer is detected, the four options of treatment available.

More than likely any detected nodules are benign, not active cancerous concerns.

[2greys in reply to 2greys]

I will add, worse comes to worse, then come back to this forum, at the very least I have been there and know all to well of the mental trauma that is associated with a diagnosis of lung cancer. Good luck with your concerns.

[z2thunder in reply to 2greys]

Xray was clean, so i assume that i don't ask for a CT scan unless the doctor recommended? Or should i go for it anyway?

[2greys in reply to z2thunder]

No, an x-ray would show any anomalies. You have to remember that there is lifetime limit to radiation exposure. One that you may need to conserve safely for future use. Trust your consultant about this.

[z2thunder in reply to 2greys]

I appreciate your advice, thank you for taking time out of your day to reply

[2greys in reply to z2thunder]

Not a problem at all, my lung tumour is currently well under control and have been in remission for two years now

[z2thunder in reply to 2greys]

Happy for you man, i assume you caught it early?

[2greys in reply to z2thunder]

Yes, it was caught early. Even so I have gained at the very least, 2 years, so far, of a very good quality of life. No complaints from me and looking forward many more years to come.

[z2thunder in reply to 2greys]

Good for you man, hope you lead a good and healthy life

[knitter]

Hi, your x ray showed a slight infection, I guess you were given antibiotics of some sort to deal with it.

Are you coughing up discoloured mucus still?

Maybe the infection is still lingering , I would go back to your health professional to check your chest, and check a sputum sample . Another course of antibiotics may be needed.

Chest pains may be a symptom , also coughing can pull muscles.

Ask for an appointment and explain your worries.

Best wishes, and congratulations on stopping smoking .

[z2thunder in reply to knitter]

I get yellow mucus when i clear my throat in the morning, but other than that it's white. But it's usually a dry cough from an itchy throat

[knitter in reply to z2thunder]

I would get checked out by your health professional, tell them about the yellow mucus, hopefully they will give you a sample bottle to check it for bugs.

Then they can see if the infection has been treated by the antibiotics.

Like Aingeful says below, I found a heat pad or hot water bottle useful for any pain .

But please ring your gp for advice , don’t live with such worry.

[Aingeful]

I had pneumonia before Christmas and had similar pain for weeks. Infection inflamed the lungs and caused pain.I used to soothe it with a hot water bottle. It was also suggested that I might have broken a rib coughing! There are many causes ! I'm sure it's not likely to be anything sinister but if in any doubt see your GP.

[z2thunder in reply to Aingeful]

Wow i didn't know you could break your ribs from coughing, hope you're doing well now

[Aingeful in reply to z2thunder]

Neither did I!! 🥺

Before being diagnosed with pneumonia, I was coughing constantly. Coupled with lying on a hard hospital bed ,it is possible to break a rib! Theres no treatment for it and usually heals itself in 6 weeks or so.

[Hidden]

It could be sciatica? My chest infection turned to sciatica. Pain in shoulder blades and in my sides and central ribs. I felt like I had been impaled on a cross. Especially when I moved. It didn't show up on xray apart from slight infection. And it is eased by laying on the pain... Contrary to normal pain. Also eased with lots of pain killers. And it eventually goes.

[z2thunder in reply to Hidden]

That's exactly how i would describe the pain, i didn't think it could sciatica. Thanks, i will consult with my GP.

[Hidden in reply to z2thunder]

I didn't think it could be sciatica either, I thought that didn't happen anymore but was an 'old' illness! But its where in between the 2 layers of pleura on the outside of the lungs become infected. I was told complete rest for 2 weeks and take pain killers. I ended up in complete rest for 8 weeks!

[z2thunder in reply to Hidden]

I hope your feeling better now

[Perrythomas]

If you cough a lot you can strain muscles and they hurt! Take care 👍

[Madonna1]

That's what I got.When I saw the doc they listen to my back and said all clear to take ibuprofen.But it not getting better it getting worse it burning pain deep in middle of shoulder blades and my chest hurts to 😔😔 I have copd and doctor I last saw said it from coughing but I not coughing!! She just wasn't interested not listening to me, so nothing been solved im left like this with no help.

[z2thunder in reply to Madonna1]

I think you need change your doctor

[Madonna1]

I changed to them 🤣 cus all the surgerys joining together and it unorganized couldn't get appointment and if you did it not with a gp.

[Gary56]

Hyperinflation of the lungs can cause that pain