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  • #1

    atelectatic lung after chemo?

    Hi Everyone,

    I am four years out of chemo, and just had my four year CT scan. The report says that I continue to be clear of cancer, but it was noted that I have:

    "mild right base ateletatic change."

    Can anyone tell me what this is? I looked up antelcatic in a medical dictionary and it seems to indicate a slight lung collapse.

    Does this mean I have chemo damage to a lung?

    Tell me if you know what this is...

    JS
    Last edited by johnseed; 08-02-06, 10:50 PM. Reason: error in spelling
    Right side orchiectomy, March 2001, 4.5 cm tumor with probable vascular invasion. Chose surveillance.

    9.5 cm groinal lymph node tumor found in Dec. 2001

    Finished chemo (cisplatin/etopicide) in March 2002.

    Two healthy daughters born naturally after chemo, one in January 2004, another in November 2006.

    Continued remission to present
    Tags: None
  • #2
    johnseed,
    Congrats on the 4 year mark! I searched a bit in Pubmed and see a potential link with high dose corticosteroid use, although I'd have thought there'd be more if a definate link was found. What's the doc say and did you have a pulmonary function test?
    Retired moderator. Husband, left I/O 16Dec2005, stage I seminoma with elevated b-HCG, no LVI, RTx15 (25Gy). All clear ever since.

    Comment

    • #3
      corticosteroids?

      Hi Karen,

      I have never taken/used steroids, so Hmmmmm....

      Pulmonary testing? Haven't had it yet.

      JS
      Right side orchiectomy, March 2001, 4.5 cm tumor with probable vascular invasion. Chose surveillance.

      9.5 cm groinal lymph node tumor found in Dec. 2001

      Finished chemo (cisplatin/etopicide) in March 2002.

      Two healthy daughters born naturally after chemo, one in January 2004, another in November 2006.

      Continued remission to present

      Comment

      • #4
        I take my last post back...it looks like steroids are used to treat it. My husband's TC was a seminoma so he has thusfar avoided chemo, but I thought steroids were administered during chemo to offset some of the side effects? Maybe some regimes and not others? Sorry to jump the gun on something I don't know about. What did the doc say?
        Last edited by Karen; 08-02-06, 11:21 PM.
        Retired moderator. Husband, left I/O 16Dec2005, stage I seminoma with elevated b-HCG, no LVI, RTx15 (25Gy). All clear ever since.

        Comment

        • #5
          Hi Johnseed:

          Atelectatic usually refers to a portion of the lung that is under inflated compared to normal. This can be caused by a variety of things and sometimes occurs following anesthesia, I suppose it's possible chemo could cause it too.

          I have had this noted once or twice on my CT results (although I never had chemo).

          Since it was described as "mild" and only in the right base (the bases seem to be the most common area for this to occur), I would not be too concerned.
          Fish
          TC1
          Right I/O 4/22/1988
          RPLND 6/20/1988
          TC2
          Left I/O 9/17/2003
          Surveillance

          Tho' much is taken, much abides; and though we are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will; to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

          Comment

          • #6
            Thanks

            Hi Jim,

            Thanks for that info. Sounds like it is a minor issue.

            I will follow up with my doctor on this issue, but mainly it is great to be cancer-free four years after finishing chemo!

            JS
            Right side orchiectomy, March 2001, 4.5 cm tumor with probable vascular invasion. Chose surveillance.

            9.5 cm groinal lymph node tumor found in Dec. 2001

            Finished chemo (cisplatin/etopicide) in March 2002.

            Two healthy daughters born naturally after chemo, one in January 2004, another in November 2006.

            Continued remission to present

            Comment

            • #7
              Hi,

              I had this noted on my first CT after my RPLND... freaked me out at first, but they assured me it was nothing to worry about. Hasnt been mentioned on any of the Xray or CT reports since, so I guess its just sorted itself out. I actually forgot about it till I just read this!

              I'm sure they will monitor it, but unless youre feeling sore, or getting breathless I wouldnt be too concerned at this stage.

              Steve
              Left I/O March 05, nonseminoma;
              Relapse July 05, single lymph node 3cm;
              2 x BEP Aug / Sept 05, node grown to 4.7cm;
              2 x VeIP Sept / Oct, node grown to 6.7cm, markers normalised;
              RPLND Dec 05, no active cancer;
              back on surveillance

              Comment

              • #8
                Johnseed,
                Glad you mentioned this...this thread will relieve anxiety for others if they see that on a scan. I still think we learn more here than we do through the docs...lots of experiencen this site. Also glad it's not something to be concerned over. CONGRATS ON 4 YRS ALL CLEAR
                Retired moderator. Husband, left I/O 16Dec2005, stage I seminoma with elevated b-HCG, no LVI, RTx15 (25Gy). All clear ever since.

                Comment

                • #9
                  thanks

                  Hi Karen, Jim and Steve,

                  Yes this board is a fantastic source of information, and in this case it has helped me avoid freaking out.

                  Come to think of it, during CT scans you have to hold your breath while they operate the scanner, and maybe I just held a partial breath? Being a jogger, and former trumpet player I think my lungs are just fine.

                  By the way, I am four years out of chemo, and my second post-chemo daughter is due in November. I am a bit sore today as I had a vasectomy on Wednesday as we have just the family we want now.

                  Thanks again!

                  JS
                  Right side orchiectomy, March 2001, 4.5 cm tumor with probable vascular invasion. Chose surveillance.

                  9.5 cm groinal lymph node tumor found in Dec. 2001

                  Finished chemo (cisplatin/etopicide) in March 2002.

                  Two healthy daughters born naturally after chemo, one in January 2004, another in November 2006.

                  Continued remission to present

                  Comment

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