Lung Biopsy

[Bahan]

I have to have a lung biopsy & am scared to death. My father died of lung cancer & I fear I am filling in his footsteps. Anxiety is killing me right now over all my fears.I had a nodule grow from 5 mm to 7 mm. I dont understand what ground glass opacities are.

The reason for biopsy is listed below:

Multiple calcified nodules consistent with old granulomatous disease are again seen in the lung fields bilaterally. The solid appearing peripheral nodule in the superior segment of the right lower lobe posteriorly has increased in size measuring about 7 mm. New multifocal patchy ground-glass opacities are seen in the right lung. The ground-glass opacities are greater than 2 cm.

Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Bahan

Ground glass opacities is a way of describing an area of lung which looks hazy or grey, this is caused by an area of low density and can indicate a range of conditions these include infection, pneumonia, covid-19, lung disease such as COPD interstitial lung disease (IPD) etc, Ground Glass can also be an indication of lung cancer. It is understandable that you will be anxious about biopsy and the most difficult time is the period between biopsy and waiting on results. If you get in touch with your team or specialist nurse they have access to all your results so far and they will be able to explain your scan results in greater detail.

We have many information booklets which you can access through this link,

roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

They contain various information from investigations to different treatment options.

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

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Bahan in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much for your response! The ground glass appeared in a four month span between ct scans. Hoping it is an infection. Thank you so much!

[JanetteR57]

It's natural to feel scared especially if you've lost a loved one to cancer - but there are many different types of lung cancer and the treatment landscape has changed beyond recognition since my diagnosis and treatment in January 2011.

Ground glass opacities and lung nodules are extremely common and the vast majority like moles on the skin do not develop into anything sinister. there are clear guidelines on how to monitor those that change over time and it is common for infection to trigger inflammation that can change these on imaging which is why a biopsy will provide much more detail.

My dad had 2 lots of bowel cancer in his 50s and we didn't think he'd reach 60 yet he was 93 in February and had another primary bowel cancer in 2016 and yet more radical treatment at the age of 86 when already frail. My lung cancer diagnosis (and 7cm tumour) in 2011 were a complete shock but having seen that my father beat cancer, I faced it with a little more optimism I guess than most although recognising the different types of cancer.

I've been involved in cancer research since the end of 2013 and so many improvements and changes have been made for lung cancer in that time - in every treatment method - the majority of surgery now is not open as I had but keyhole, radiotherapy has changed, chemotherapy agents have changed and targeted agents and immunotherapy were not even around. Never give up whatever it turns out to be and hope memories of your dad can guide you through your investigations. Counselling may help you - and many lung cancer charities run nurse led helplines that may support you. good luck.

[Bahan in reply to JanetteR57]

Janette thank you so much for the words of encouragement. Your words helped calm my mind immensely. I think I will be stronger once they get the biopsy over with & I know what I am up against. Once I get the definitive diagnosis I will know what I am up against & be ready for the fight. Thanks again for all the information!

[SunshineM]

Sending good wishes. I had a wedge resection on my left lung and a lobectomy on my right, a year ago, each node grown from 5mm to 20mm. They were Mets from my bowel cancer, I was scared, but I'm still here! I read so many positive stories here on this site. A good recovery is possible x

[Bahan in reply to SunshineM]

Thank you so much for the well wishes. Positive stories really help. It’s the unknown that scares me. Hope for your continual recovery!

[JanetteR57]

it's natural to fear the unknown - but with over 200 types of cancer - some of which can spread to the lung and others that develop in the lung and many symptoms that overlap with potential cancer symptoms, try not to write yourself into the worst case scenario before you have any confirmed results.

I've been humbled and privileged to meet and work with many lung cancer patients who've survived decades (one is 34 years out from his treatment) - a few were over a decade out and almost 20 years out when I first became involved and with my dad surviving 27 years from his cancers before another developed, I tend to keep an open mind and distract my imagination from going into overdrive by keeping busy and helping others rather than constant focus on myself.

Try not to google as most information about lung cancer is out of date, international and inaccurate - as you receive more information, use trusted websites like Roy Castle lung cancer foundation if appropriate. good luck.

[Bahan in reply to JanetteR57]

Thanks Janette. I have kind of figured out that the internet is scaring more than helping. I got my Pet scan yesterday but still waiting on hospital to call with biopsy date. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement!

[Sad2022Guy in reply to Bahan]

Hope you are feeling better. Stay positive …