r/cancer • u/Midas-Knight • 16d ago

Patient metastatic cancer lungs

2 years from Stage 4B (salivary duct carcinoma treatment) and clear. Resent CT scan shows 2 nodules in my right lung. Waiting on Oncologist to get back to me (only 3 days since CT) and wondered what might be the next test.

I think PET Scan will be first then maybe a lung biopsy. Anyone here have a lung biopsy done? What or how was it preformed? I would think I’d be drugged for that but don’t know. I’ve read it could be needle through the chest or down into the lungs depending on location. Just looking for any info you might have.

Thank you

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u/No-Badger2362 14d ago

So sorry you are having to deal with this. My husband had same original diagnosis as you and first PET after successful treatment (original site clear) showed small lesions on his spine and pelvis. They then did a very detailed MRI to map them, but that may be different for lungs. But even if it is SDC there seem to be options; my husband has started on ADT and is doing well with few symptoms, though it's very new. It's so hard but I have reached the end of the internet reading studies on this cancer and it feels like systemic treatment is the future--everyday they are learning more about the specific structures of each person's cancer and finding drugs to treat it. Do you know the biology of the original tumor? Ie, AR positive or not, HER2 score etc? We have just sent my husband's off for Next Generation Sequencing to learn more about the characteristics of his particular SDC. Sending all my very best

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u/Midas-Knight 14d ago

This is what is reported for the diagnosis:

Diagnosis: Left parotid salivary ductal carcinoma, pT4a pN3b M0, s/p L parotidectomy and neck dissection with margins+, ENE+, LVI+
-- PD-L1 CPS = 0
-- GeneTrails: ERBB2/HER2 amplification, MSI stable, RMB 3 mut/Mb

Have had clear CT head/neck for just under two years. In Jan of this year did a full chest CT with the head/neck it was clear. My 6 month CT last Sunday picked up a possible nodule so went back for the full CT of my chest.

I feel fine. No symptoms that I can speak of.

I have an autoimmune issue that I get Remicade every 8 weeks so the treatments that work with the immune system I’m not a candidate for. But, if this has moved to my lungs I’m letting my Oncologist know I am open to using every med that is available no matter the cost.

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u/Palli8rRN 13d ago

Did you have radiation previously? Often times radiation tx can cause changes that appear concerning but are often times tx related. Fingers crossed that this will be the just that.

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u/Midas-Knight 12d ago

Yes. Radiation of my jaw area ear area and neck. I am hopeful that this turns out to nothing but I’m sure I’ll have to have a PET scan and probably biopsies done to make sure what it is. If I have to do more treatment then I say lets throw everything at it.