Lung cancer diagnosis query

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Hi, my 37yr old best friend has today been contacted by an NHS lung cancer specialist nurse who gave my friend the strong impression that she has lung cancer; nurse used phrases such as "The mass on your lungs", "You're so young", "Call anytime for support on your journey" etc... My friend has not been contacted by a doctor or specialist/consultant to discuss a diagnosis of cancer. She had an x-ray some months ago and was advised she has a shadow on one lung, and likely this was a chest infection for which she was prescribed antibiotics. Her symptoms continued (shortness of breath, cough) and she went for an MRI/CT scan. She has been advised by the nurse that a shadow is now also on her other lung. The nurse said my friend needs to have a breath test, and another scan which can take up to 30 mins to perform. My friend is devastated following the conversation with the nurse (who was very nice), she feels she must have lung cancer, hence why she is being contacted by the lung cancer nurse. My question is - would she need a biopsy in order to determine whether or not she has lung cancer? Can a diagnosis be made without a biopsy? Could the shadows on her lungs be something else other than cancer given her age? Thank you for your time.

Linda J - Macmillan 7 months ago

Hi Sabella,

Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.

I appreciate that this is a very stressful time for you both. It’s difficult for us to say if this means that your friend has lung cancer diagnosis but it’s a possibility. You mention that she has been having ongoing symptoms of breathlessness and a cough, these are concerning symptoms.

Your friend is young to have a lung cancer diagnosis, but unfortunately sometimes younger people are diagnosed.

As the nurse has mentioned a mass and that they can see a shadow on the other lung, then it’s important that they carry out these other tests. The cancer team have many years of experience in reading scan results. For some people the scans can indicate a high chance of the mass being cancerous.

But other lung conditions and infections can also cause shadows on the lung.

It’s not unusual for lung cancer nurses to get in touch as they are part of the respiratory MDT team.

It is possible to diagnosis cancer without a biopsy, as getting a diagnosis involves a number of tests. If the team feel that it’s appropriate, they will request a biopsy. This will help to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can help to show the type of lung cancer and this in turn helps the cancer team to recommend the appropriate treatment.

It’s understandable that your friend is feeling devastated after receiving the news from the nurse. It’s normal to feel this way when going through tests, as

it’s a very emotional and uncertain time. There is no right or wrong way to cope with this but it can help to share how you are feeling with family and friends.

Some people find it helpful to talk directly with one of the nurses on the support line. If you think this may help you or your friend, please give us a call.

I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

Best wishes and take care,

Linda J. (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/ LJ/BG

Sabella 7 months ago in reply to Linda J - Macmillan

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, your response is really helpful - i want to support my friend as much as i can - i've already lost one best friend (48yrs) to kidney disease, i cannot fathom losing another dear friend in such a short time

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Lung cancer diagnosis query