Possible lung cancer with mets to cerebellum - MRI of the brain and CT of lungs ordered: Chances of having cancer

	Asked by powen (Male ) on Sat 05, Apr 2008 01:03pm :
	I just went to my neurologist. Because of gait abnormalities and history of essential tremors, he has ordered an MRI of the brain and CT of lungs. I'm 47 years old. Is there that much of a chance that I could really have cancer? My dad had lung cancer. I smoke and have for 30 years. I have a little cough, not too much though. I get a little short winded with exertion, especially climbing stairs or walking uphill. My main problem that has been getting more noticeable is that when I stand or walk, sometimes I lose my balance and almost fall. I get dizzy with quick movements, even when my husband is driving and turning in the car. I do have periods of nausea, especially when I lay down sometimes and the room spins. I figured maybe it's just inner ear?
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	Answer by Dr Dennis S, MD (oncologist) on Sat 05, Apr 2008 06:07pm: Hi. Smoking can result to a lot of diseases. It is a major risk factor for the development of malignancies including lung caner, pancreatic cancer, and urinary bladder cancer. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also develop as a result of smoking. This includes chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, ischemic cardiovascular disease can also result from smoking. Quitting smoking can help decrease the risk of diseases. The symptoms of cough and exertional dyspnea can be attributed to any of the lung diseases or cardiovascular diseases caused by smoking. Those symptoms are not particular to lung cancer alone. The symptoms of gait abnormalities, tremors, dizziness, and nausea can point to an inner ear problem or to a problem in the cerebellum. Do you already have the result of the brain MRI and the lung CT scan? Those can help limit the differential diagnoses. Specific treatment will follow once there is already a concrete diagnosis. Thank you for using our service.  If you are satisfied with the answer or if you want a detailed answer for your question, please make a donation and request for further clarifications.  Our oncologists will provide an elaborate answer for your clarification.   Please make a donation by clicking the button below. You may donate using funds from your PayPal account or Credit Card. Please rate my answer (select the stars below, no need to log in.)
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	Follow up: Clarification / Comment by powen on Sun 06, Apr 2008 08:30am: The results of all tests will not be available to me until my follow-up on May 5th.
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