Mediastinoscopy

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I was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 weeks ago and have had all the usual tests.

I am a 67 year old male, in reasonable health.

My breathing test was excellent.

I have a 5cm tumour in my right lung, in the upper lobe close to my sternum. The CT scan shows inflammation of one lymph node.

From the scans there is no evidence of spread, thankfully, although the PET scan showed a 'warm' spot in my groin. The Doctor suspects it is a result of an old injury, rather than cancer. I will have an MRI scan to investigate further.

Unfortunately the EBUS test failed. The samples showed no signs of cancer. So we don't know what type of cancer it is.

The Doctor gave me the option to repeat the EBUS tesy, or a Mediastinoscopy. He seemed to favour the Mediastinoscopy, so I agreed to that.

I am now having second thoughts. The Mediastinoscopy has higher risks than the EBUS. And what I don't understand is this :- the Mediastinoscopy takes a sample from lymph nodes outside the lung There is no spread of cancer outside the lung, so how is the test helpful in determining the type of cancer?

My inclination is to request another EBUS.

Any advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

excavator over 3 years ago

Hello Mike, I'm sorry you find yourself here. I had a mediastinoscopy and this was performed prior to lung surgery (I had the right one removed) to make sure that there was no trace of cancer cells in the nodes in the mediastinum, which as you probably know is the area between the lungs. However at the same time the surgeon also carried ot a rigid bronchoscopy on the offending lung, has this been mentioned?

Made in 1956. Tested to destruction.

North East Mike over 3 years ago in reply to excavator

Thanks Excavator. I only had a brief conversation with the specialist, and perhaps I didn't take in everything he said.

I think I'll contact him to see if they intend to do a bronchosopy of the lung to get a sample. It would make sense for them to do this while I'm under general anaesthetic.

Thanks for your information.

It is so encouraging to hear you have come through your major surgery, and the subsequent health setbacks, and are still Enyoying your life.

Mike

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