Hi,
My dad started coughing up blood a few months ago. After chest x-ray and CT-scan, they saw 2 good-sized masses in one of the lungs. 1 towards the top, and one towards the bottom. The doctor thought 99% chance that this indicates cancer (as TB was ruled out). This took over 4 weeks since the initial CT-scan so far. Then a needle biopsy was performed on the lower lung mass, but results were inconclusive as the doctor said there was a lot of fluid around the mass, he thought it was necrosis, and was unable to find any good cells to test. They tried a deeper cut into the sample tissue and still nothing. So at this point another 2 weeks have passed. Next was a bronchoscopy to retrieve a sample (I think still from the lower mass). That also just came back inconclusive (now been another 2 weeks). Next step is to arrange for a CT-guided biopsy for the upper mass. We are waiting for that procedure at this point.
My questions are:
1) Is the waiting time for diagnosis normal? It’s been over 2 months and we still don’t have a medical diagnosis since the initial scan.
2) Is it normal for both types of biopsy to fail? How often does that happen?
3) Is it safe to continue these biopsies if they continue to be inconclusive? When is it too much?
Aside from the questions above, if there is any other insight you can provide based on the information I gave, I would greatly appreciate it!
Best regards,
Ellen
Reply # - September 10, 2015, 06:58 AM
Hi Ellen,
Hi Ellen,
Welcome to GRACE. I'm sorry to hear of your dad's scan findings and symptoms, and the uncertainty and worry that is causing, which can be the most unsettling part of a possible cancer diagnosis.
It is not unusual for biopsies to be inconclusive, especially those which obtain only a small amount of tissue, such as that retrieved via a needle biopsy. And quite often it's just not possible to reach the mass in question with a bronchoscopy, which was exactly what happened during my wife's diagnostic workup.
Of course, each invasive procedure carries risks, but doctors are reluctant to initiate surgery, radiation or chemotherapy without a specific diagnosis. At some point, which you may be nearing, it may be necessary to proceed based on the initial impression.
Two months is not that unusual an interval to wait for a diagnosis. My wife's diagnostic workup was fairly simple, and it still took a few weeks before a firm diagnosis was reached and treatment begun.
Good luck in getting some answers soon, which hopefully do not include cancer.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - September 10, 2015, 07:20 AM
Hi Jim,
Hi Jim,
Thank you for replying! It's helpful to hear from other people that have gone through similar experiences. I was worried that something abnormal is happening and also didn't want my dad to have to go through all sorts of procedures and we're only at the diagnosis stage. We are at a strange stage because we're eager to get the diagosis so that we can start treatment, but we're also not looking forward to the bad news that we will likely hear. As you said, it's very unsettling.
Anyway this site is great. I read your story and thats wonderful that you were able to find a new beginning. Life is funny that way.
Best regards,
Ellen