I just had a bronchoscopy for a lung mass. Doctor said to call tomorrow for the results. Is this normal?

Question

To tell of cancer over the phone?

Answer 1

Its actually pretty fast. I am a cancer RN and just got off work. The bronchoscopy does not distinguish between cancer or no cancer, but it does tell if the cells are atypical such as malignant cells. They do brushings to see if you are growing bacteria, fungus, TB or other critters in your lungs which should not be in there.
Tommorrow when they call you, they will tell you which step is next in your treatment plan. They may want to do a biospy of the lung to examine some tissue and see exactly what it is there. Examples would be small cell or non small cell lung cancer, Inflammation from tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillus and all kinds of stuff.
Also, after you wake up from the bronchoscopy, your head is still sleepy and swimming from the sedation, so your physician wants to make sure you understand what they are saying after the pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I just had a bronchoscopy for a lung mass. Doctor said to call tomorrow for the results. Is this normal?
To tell of cancer over the phone?

Answer 3

Since your mother has smoked for 50 years, and has a 73% reduction in lung capacity, a CT scan and x-rays are not adequate to diagnose her problem(s). The doctor could find emphysema, COPD, cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, RBILD, etc. Just because he has ordered the test does not mean he knows she has cancer. The nurse may have mentioned a mass, but unless she is trained in radiology, she may not really know what a mass looks like on an x-ray. Chest x-rays are easily misread and misinterpreted by people who are not trained in radiology. Don't think the worst, but prepare yourself for bad news. Even if she doesn't have cancer, the other diseases can be just as bad and just as deadly. Here are the different things bronchoscopy may be used for:: Identify the cause of airway problems, such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, or inflammation from other lung diseases. Take tissue samples when other tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, show areas of the lung that may have problems. Diagnose lung diseases by collecting tissue or mucus (sputum) samples for biopsy. Diagnose and determine the extent of lung cancer. Remove objects blocking the airway. Evaluate and treat growths in the airway. Control bleeding (hemoptysis). Make sure your mother has stopped smoking. That is the first step in dealing with any lung disease. After the results are in from the bronchoscopy, research her illness. Knowledge will help you deal with her situation. I am sorry you lost your father to lung cancer. Hopefully your mother will have a better outcome. Hope this information was helpful. Good luck.

Answer 4

Quite normal. He took out a sample and sent it to the pathlogy dept. It probably takes a day to check it.

Relax. I had a colonoscope a few weeks ago, and I was told to call back in 5 days.
I hope the news is good.

Even if they tell you to make an appt, still,no reason for alarm. He may want to keep an eye on you.

Answer 5

If the news is good,he'll tell you. If,it should not be,he will make an appointment for you with a specialist to discuss options. Bring a trusted relative and a tape recorder along,and a list of questions and concerns.
Good luck,may GD heal you.

Answer 6

If it is cancer, he will probably have you come in for an appointment to tell you that and discuss treatment options...if so, best to bring someone with you and have them drive you there..because you will probably be too upset to be driving when you leave the office...

If no cancer, he might tell you that on the phone..

Answer 7

I'm sorry to say it happens more often than not. That's how I found out about my cancer. But, try not to think about that, keep your head up and believe that you will be just fine.