SPN follow up question - faint uptake in the nodule and more pronounced uptake in the lymph nodes

	Asked by jkwrabbit (Male ) on Tue 08, Apr 2008 02:01pm :
	I have now gotten the results of the PET and met with a Pulmonologist. The PET showed faint uptake in the nodule and more pronounced uptake in the lymph nodes. The Pulmonologist agrees that with my risk factors of both parents dying of lung cancer and exposure to secondhand smoke for the first 17 years of my life that we should remove it. I have been referred to a thoracic surgeon next week. One of my questions is that they are saying they will have to do a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the lymph nodes, and then they need to take the top lobe of my right lung along with the nodule. If the biopsy is negative, isn't there a less drastic procedure to remove the nodule and not take so much of my lung? I appreciate any opinion you can give.
	Actions: | Forward |
	Answer by Dr Heinrik M, MD (oncologist) on Fri 11, Apr 2008 08:58am: Hi, The procedure may seem that it is taking a lot indeed. There are about 3 kinds of operations, segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy in increasing order of removing lung. The surgery requires removing a margin beyond the observed nodule, since the cancer may actually involve surrounding areas invisible to the naked eye (or to the CT or the PET). Segmentectomy has not been consistent in providing good outcome, but the second level - the lobectomy seems sufficient. The removal of lung is not arbitrary, I'd like to think of it as a balance, the Goldilock's level, not too much not too little. You would also be tested as to whether the amount of lung reduction would be tolerated, to ensure that your lung function remains adequate after the operation. Stay positive. 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.)
	This questions is open for comments. Please share your opinion. Name Email Comments Enter your comments here Enter the text as shown above E-Mail me when someone replies to this post
	Other cancer questions you might be interested in. Please rate the answer.
	hodgkins lymphoma: what is the risk of recurence?  (Answered) - Viewed 650 times   A good friend of mine has been diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma about 5 years ago. He seems to be doing fine right now. What is... Thyroid cancer - hypoechoic nodules in both right and left thyroid lobes  (Answered) - Viewed 536 times   I have hypoechoic nodules in both my right and left thyroid lobes with the largest at 18x16x7mm and non reactive lymph nodes wit... possibility of MM?  (Answered) - Viewed 470 times   I had a cbc done on 02/11/08 because of a tooth infection and a bad cold. ( I had a root canal done the following week). On 3/16... Non-H odgkin's lymphoma - CAT scan showed a prominent pancreatic tail adjacent the gastric fundus  (Answered) - Viewed 989 times   I was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma status post splenectomy in 12/2006 and have had CAT scans every 4 months sinc... S erum Immunofixation test result - What does IgG Kappa monoclonal protein detected in serum immunofixation test mean?  (Answered) - Viewed 21246 times   What does IgG Kappa monoclonal protein detected in serum immunofixation test mean? This is a follow up test for the protein elec... L ung adenocarcinoma of a scar left by a past asymptomatic histoplasmosis infection in a nonsmoker 79yr female  (Answered) - Viewed 244 times   What is the time line and occurrence of lung scarring and calicification of lymph nodes from a previous Histoplasmosis infection... Nodule found on Lung  (Answered) - Viewed 688 times   This morning, during a routine x-ray to determine if I had pneumonia or bronchitis, the technician noticed what he thought might... Cancer? fever and a pain on the left side of my body near my ovaries and a pain near my liver  (Answered) - Viewed 2887 times   Back in august I had an MRI, because of severe headaches, nausea, loss of feeling in myy right hand, and fainting( dizzines too)... b cell - Malignant lymphoma diffuse large b cell found  (Answered) - Viewed 226 times   they found malignant lymphoma diffuse large b cell in my dad body i like to know if you can tel me how bad it is . and thank you... Enlarged lymph nodes - sign of secondary lymph node cancer?  (Answered) - Viewed 689 times   Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and DCIS in other breast 2001. Mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy. 4 weeks ago I h...