Fao Sqad.....again

[mrs_overall]

Re the Pancoast tumour situation. The man in question had an xray and when he went to the doctor's surgery yesterday the receptionist told him it was clear and he had nothing to worry about. (I wonder where she obtained her MbChB?) I've insisted he make another appointment to see his GP. Am I right in thinking this type of tumour does not show up on an x-ray and he needs a scan?

[Sqad]

If the X-Ray was reported as clear.......then that is what it is.......clear to the Radiologist.

A Pancoast tumour causes the symptoms by growing and involving the brachial plexus roots and hence must be largish.......big enough to be seen on X-Ray.

There are other non malignant causes for those symptoms, but i take your point............me?..........I would ask for a scan, but i am not involved.

[Sqad]

P.S when an X-Ray is normal, it means that it has been reported on as normal..........see the difference?

[mrs_overall]

Thanks Sqad.
I don't care what other people think - I think you are marvellous xx

[Sqad]

I don't think I am marvelous......I know i am.......b0llocks to other people. ;-)

[slaney]

Pancoast tumours are easy to miss on plain CXR, as they are up at the top (apex) of the lungs and may be overshadowed by other structures.
You are right to insist he sees his own GP, as the report may say CXR normal, but may then go on to suggest other investigations such as a CT scan, which with those symptoms he certainly needs.

[mrs_overall]

Slaney, that is what I thought. Thankyou.
Mrs O
Graduate - the Google School of Medicine

[slaney]

Mmmm- GSM after one's name Mrs O - I like it!

[Sqad]

Mrs_O Keep us informed of developments.......interesting.

[mrs_overall]

I'm going with him to see his GP next Thursday. I will let you know what happens

[Sqad]

\\develops a hacking cough 3 months ago, loses 4 stone in weight, develops pain in right shoulder and pain in chest. Loses use of right hand (unable to grip anything).\\

If.....just if....we assume that these symptoms ARE due to lung cancer, then the extent would indicate that it would show up on X-Ray.

Will look forward to your posts.

[mrs_overall]

I think the hacking cough is due to him chain smoking rollies and the weight loss is due to the fact that as an alcoholic he doesn't eat. The chest pain, shoulder pain, pain on his inner arm and loss of use of his right hand are the worrying symptoms.
I could do without this as Mr O is in hospital in Leeds (Jimmys) at the moment and won't be home for Christmas :-(

[Sqad]

Oh! sorry about MrO..........if I was in Whitby i would buy you some fish and chips and give you a good time ;-)

Hope MrO does well.

[mrs_overall]

I dont eat fish and chips but the "good time" sounds interesting. (Bingo? Scrabble? Book discussion?)

[Sqad]

Not........what i had in mind...........but "Scrabble" is the nearest thing....;-)

[mrs_overall]

lol

I guess my winter "apple catcher" pants would have to be swapped for something more seductive?