I have cancer on the lung?

I have cancer on the lung?

I had surgery to remove cancer on the right lung, it stopped after the surgeon said it was too close to the phrenic nerve. Wouldn't they be able to still remove the lung or have seen this on a CAT scan or MRI?

3 Answers

Dr. Arnold Herskovic

Radiation Oncologist

Grosse Pointe, MI

You need to talk to your surgeon. It may have extended into vital structures which cannot be safely removed or would cause considerable morbidity.

Dr. Nausherwan K. Burki

Pulmonologist

Farmington, CT

Proximity to the phrenic nerve and feasibility of resection without damage to the phrenic nerve cannot always be accurately determined on CAT scan or MRI. If removal of the cancer versus damage to the phrenic nerve is the choice, obviously cancer removal takes priority, unless there are other factors of concern.

Dr. Rumpa Amornmarn

Radiation Oncologist

Kissimmee, FL

If the surgeon can not remove the tumor, it should be seen on CT or PET/ CT scan. You still can have radiation treatment to get rid of cancer locally.