Im 38yr old, 20yr smoker. (I know, I know) I have had right sided chest pain that shoots through to my back for the last 5yrs. I have been through an array of tests/scans over the years. Only thing that shows ups are scattered tiny 5mm or less lung nodules, (which scare me to death) I should note, when this pain started so did a brown sputum production that only comes from the right side of my chest, so I have always thought this pain was Lung related due to the sputum. Now, this last year I have had constant pain everyday with no releif in my shoulder, upper arm, inside of arm way upper back and inside of my neck, my chest pain has greatly worsened too. I did nothing to my shoulder that Im aware of, no particular movement makes it worse, it just aches all the time and doesnt feel bone related, it feels different. Been to neurosurgeon, chiro, no one can explain why Im having this. The pain is far to bad for it not to be something, I am afraid that something is being missed. I have 2 small children and worry to death about this, it is effecting my life greatly. It is so hard when you dont have a diagnosis. My most recent CT was July/15. Is there anything that I am missing that I should ask the pulm or family Dr. I am about at my wits end, and I feel like my Dr.s think Im crazy. Im afraid that a pancoast tumor was missed on my scan because it is so far up in the apex along with this brown sputum that sometimes has traces of blood in it, worrys me to no end. I have not had a pain free day in years. :(
Worried sick about Pancoast Tumor - 1271620
aprilbaby1
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Reply # - October 29, 2015, 07:42 AM
A CT scan would find a tumor
A CT scan would find a tumor large enough to do the type of damage you're talking about and there's just no better way to rule out lung cancer than that, including a pancoast tumor. A chest CT covers the apex of the lung. We aren't able to help diagnose your problems but I hope you find answers to your very worrisome issues. A pulmonologist and/or ENT should be able to help find you what's going on.
I hope you find answers.
Janine
Reply # - October 30, 2015, 04:22 AM
If you're still spitting up
If you're still spitting up brown sputum, ask your pulm to test it. This definitely doesn't sound like cancer symptoms that would have been going on for years. The 5mm nodules would not cause any symptoms.
Many with lung cancer don't even have symptoms unless they're higher stage when diagnosed. I'd see an internist to help you get to the bottom of whatever it is that is causing you pain.
Take care, Judy
I am not a medical professional nor a moderator. I am a LC survivor.