does ct scan show?

[nikkala]

Hi everyone,

I am new here and awaiting my own next ct scan but my question is about my gram. She has been battling pneumonia for about 2 months, lost 30lbs,having alot of pain,no energy.... She had a ct scan 2 days ago and the doc says it looks like lung cancer. He told her she has a tumor and some lymph nodes are involved. Can they tell that lymph nodes are involved by doing a ct scan? Also he referred her to a pulmonologist rather than an oncologist, is that standard? Thank you in advance for any reply.

Lisa/32

lung nodules/awaiting next ct scan

Lost mom to lc 7/13/95

[john]

Only the size of a lymph node is used as criteria for metastasis when using a CT scan. It is not that accurate. I would think she needs to see a lung cancer specialist to figure out what is going on. Maybe the referal to the pulmonologist is to get a bronschoscopy. I would ask the Dr why did he refer to a pulmonologist vs a oncologist

Dr Joe will hopefully answer your question better

Conventional radiologic tools such as chest CT scan and chest tomography are frequently unreliable in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymph node metastases of lung cancer. The diagnosis of mediastinal lymph node metastasis by CT scan is based solely on size criteria, and diagnostic accuracy is approximately 60%.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/ ... i_87103205

[Connie B]

When I was first Dx.d I was referred to a Pulm Doc. Then after all the major tests came back that the Pulm Doc ordered or did, and we learned it was for sure cancer, THEN they referred me to an Onc. Doc.

[kimblanchard]

Only a biopsy can truly diagnose lung cancer; lymph nodes can be enlarged by inflammation and infection can cause masses in the lung. A pulmonologist is definitely the most appropriate person to see next.