Extensive Scarring on Lungs Through Radiation - Will it go?

[Beatless]

Oncologist said today that I have a lot of Lung scarring, & this could lead to Lung infections.

Question is will the scarring go?

I forgot to ask him!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Beatless

Sorry to hear you have scarring on your lungs from the radiotherapy. This could last for a number of years and you may feel a little more breathless. Perhaps discuss this with your lung cancer nurse specialist the degree of scarring and what to expect.

This link to our booklet on radiotherapy provides information on both the short and long term effects: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

On page 21 you will see the section on long term side effects.

This link is to our booklet on managing your lung cancer symptoms e.g. cough, breathlessness: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

You may find this link from the British Lung Foundation of some interest: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

although pulmonary fibrosis has came from many conditions, it leads to scarring of the lung tissue.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Beatless in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thanks for advise

[HopefulAnnie101]

Hi Beatless,

I hope you're keeping well and making good recovery. My dad had the same treatment and still has scarring on his lungs one year down the line. The doctor informed my dad it'll take some years until he notices a difference. It is a long term side effect of radiotherapy, especially when the treatment is so harsh.

[Beatless in reply to HopefulAnnie101]

Thanks, just have to put up with the cough caused by the scarring, yes it is a very harsh treatment.

[Denzie]

Lung tissue does not regenerate. You lung will expand a bit to compensate for lost tissue.