Lung Cancer

[ddholt]

My husband has many of the lung cancer symptoms, but when he was in to the doctor for his D.O.T. licensing exam, the doc said it sounded like he had emphysema but didn't do an xray or anything. He has a horrible cough (for a year at least) clear phlem, wheezing, pain in his shoulder and arm, fatigue, and sleeps much more than he used to. He also has bouts of feeling flu like (muscle aches) but doesn't have the flu. Anyone with similar symptoms. Why would the doc just assume its emphysema, when lung cancer is so serious??

[Davy9]

Your husband could use a clearer diagnosis whether it is emphysema or something else. Aside from the chronic cough it does not sound like lung cancer But, it should still be examined more in depth. Yes, a chest xray is in order. A pulmonary function test with and without a bronchodilator and arterial blood gases, will help define the extent of any lung impairment and how it might be treated. An electrocardiogram is also indicated, just to be certain of his heart status.

A doctor can determine that emphysema is present just from a physical exam. It has some fairly evident signs. But they cannot assess how advanced it is, or how treatable it is, from just the exam. The tests mentioned above will accomplish that. I assume your husband no longer smokes. If he does and is refusing to quit then your doctor may feel that testing and treating is a waste of time. Your husband needs to be invested in getting properly diagnosed and properly treated. His part will be to do what is best for him. Step # one is putting away the tobacco.