Hello. I was referred for a chest CT scan by my endocrinologist (I have Graves Disease) following a really bad cough which didn’t clear for 8 weeks or so back in April (the cough has now gone). On Friday afternoon he called to say that the scan has shown up a shadow on my right lung so he has referred me to a Respiratory Consultant for further investigations. I am now beside myself with worry. Can lung cancer appear as a shadow on a CT scan as I thought they give a more clearly defined image? I am so scared I can barely eat or sleep.
I have historically had bad coughs/chest throughout my life and suffer from mould, pollen and dander allergies. I also have a histamine intolerance.
Written by
Trumps
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I know it's easier said than done but there's a number of things it could be. So try not to drive yourself mad with worry. Infection is a possibility especially if your cough has now gone. Sending positive vibes your way.
Thank you for replying. I feel a bit more composed now. It is the not knowing that is the worst part. . I have had cancer once before and sadly the fear never leaves you.
Yes I've had cancer before too although it was nearly 30 years ago. You're right it never leaves you but I did manage to push it to the back of my mind and move on with my life. But after this diagnosis i doubt that will happen 😥xx
Sorry to hear of your understandable worry with your scan. A shadow on a CT scan could be anything including scar tissue from chest infections, inflammation, infection, lung nodule, plus you have a known history of respiratory symptoms.
Anything abnormal on CT will always merit referral for further investigations and specialist. Please do not google anything, as there is a lot of inaccurate and not up to date information out there and it may only worsen any anxiety that you have.
It would not be unusual to have a follow up PET scan , which is a more detailed imaging scan and perhaps a bronchoscopy and biopsy; you should see the respiratory doctor within a few weeks.
You are welcome to contact us to have a chat on our ask the nurse helpline number 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600, alternatively you can email our ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org
Waiting is difficult when investigations are being done, and it is only natural that many of us think the worse, please know that we are here to support you during the process and hope you hear from others in the forum.
It's scary and understandable given your history and it's good you're being booked in so quickly given the current NHS backlogs.
Many people have abnormal chest x-rays/imaging and are often referred through this pathway for speed as much to rule things out as in. Cancer cannot be diagnosed from a single image and chest x-ray is not as sensitive as CT which is usually the next step. From there, some are referred onto a PET scan then often further tests if anything is found to investigate via bronchoscopy/ebus. The multiple tests if things are found take time to arrange and get results and unfortunately these open up the opportunity for worrying ourselves silly and making ourselves ill with worry.
There are many people with abnormal images that turn out to be infection/inflammation/scar tissue from previous infections, surgeries, TB, pneumonia etc.
Like you I had a history of bronchitis, allergies, hay fever, childhood/adult asthma until I was 40 and had my tonsils out aged 3.5 so most colds went to my chest.
when I took myself off to A&E one mid October night and had a chest x-ray it revealed an 'anomaly' that took months to investigate. Eventually after waiting over a month for a CT then referred for a PET scan then to see a consultant I was told they weren't going to delay any further as the large mass in my lung needed removing whatever it was then determine any treatment once results were in. I had open surgery on my left lung and the 7cm 'mass' removed which turned out to be a type of non small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) and half my left lung. I was diagnosed in Jan 2011 and back at work and swimming by end of March 2011.
I've been involved in lung cancer research and services since end 2013 and seen so many changes for the better in all aspects - including investigations, treatment and outcomes.
Try not to get ahead of yourself - at this stage, they're using the pathway for speed to investigate - and there may be more tests ahead if results prompt more investigation but there are many to get through - so hang on in there, whatever it is, hopefully they can find out and get you on appropriate treatment or reassure you. The majority of abnormal images are not 'sinister' or cancer but have other clinical explanations.
I tell you my story also hopefully to reassure as if you're no doubt googling, you're frightening yourself further but most of the information that comes up in results is outdated and inaccurate about lung cancer. At this stage, you're under investigation and as you would, if you had an abnormal mammogram, cervical smear (if you're female) or other blood tests that were inconclusive, it would be normal to send you for more/different tests before making any conclusion.
Hope you can find a way to distract yourself in the meantime - not sleeping nor eating will leave you in any fit way to deal with whatever the news is - it will the same whether you worry or not - deal with the 'what is' rather than fret about the what if.... good luck. roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...
Thank you for your kind and informative reply. I have seen the specialist who is unsure what it is so wants to do a PET scan, lung tests and possibly a biopsy depending on what the scan shows up. He said whatever it is is small and we have time, which suggests to me that he thinks it is cancer but im trying to shutdown those thoughts. Thanks again for replying.
Apologies Janette I also meant to say I am sorry that you had the trauma of a long drawn out diagnosis, it must have been such an anxious time for you but it sounds like you are doing really well now. Was surgery your only treatment?
yes, surgery removed it all with good margins - I had open surgery (thoracotomy) whereas now the majority of lung surgery in the UK is keyhole so less invasive.
I considered myself lucky even more so when I learnt through my involvement in lung cancer research how few are detected early enough for surgery to be a possibility in the UK. At 7cm I was told it would have taken a long time to develop to that size and the particular rare type I had I was told didn't benefit from chemotherapy whereas now at that size I would be offered it. However other treatments have now come along too especially immunotherapy so many were put onto that during the pandemic instead of chemotherapy to reduce the amount of visits to hospitals and potential exposure to covid.
I didn't really have time to be anxious as I was working throughout on the run up to surgery and after surgery (I came home on 22/12) had Xmas to get through and my first follow up was 13th January when I was given the diagnosis. By that time I was almost a month after surgery and my focus was on recovery and getting back to my life.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
shadow on the lung
Scary ct scan of lungs
Can lung cancer be diagnosed by a CT scan?
