Hi doctor, I took my dad to the hospital because of intense pain in his legs. After a lot of tests, the doctors suspected that he has advanced cancer. But they were unable to do a biopsy because of his heart disease and other problems. I received reports from hospitals about my father's condition. One report suggests that he has advanced cancer and it has spread to different parts of the body. They did a PET because of his health problems. After six weeks, again I took him to the hospital because of severe pain in the legs and the painkillers are given initially was not helpful. The other doctor did a biopsy of the lung and suggested possible stage 1 cancer. He had loss of weight and the pain in the legs increased. He has done open heart surgery before three years. He has heart disease, blood pressure, and diabetes. I am interested in getting a specialist look at the reports and images and say why there is such a difference of opinion by two cancer specialists. I would like to know what these reports mean: Does he have advanced lung cancer or only stage 1 cancer? If he has advanced cancer, should we consider palliative care? If it is not advanced cancer, should we go through therapy? If so, chemotherapy or radiation? Just give a second opinion after reading these reports and suggest how to proceed. We need an urgent response.
Hi. I have gone through the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your father has advanced lung cancer, which has spread to his bones and other parts of the body. I do not know why someone has said it is a stage 1 cancer. It is a very aggressive stage 4 lung cancer. On considering his age, poor cardiac condition, incurable disease, he is not a candidate for any active oncology treatment. He needs only symptomatic treatment with pain medication. For pain, he should take Morphine. Take help of a good palliative care doctor. I am sorry, but he has a very short remaining life. For more information consult a medical oncologist online -->