Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis Questions

1. What is the prognosis for melanoma that recurs in the same spot?

   The prognosis (expected outcome) for recurring melanoma in the same spot is not clearly defined. Two recurrences (three surgeries)on the same exact spot is relatively uncommon. Traditionally, complete surgical removal for a true melanoma includes a very wide, and sometimes disfiguring, surgical margin...
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2. What is the prognosis with stage 4 invasive ductal carcinoma after chemo?

   Many physicians reference a five year survival rate when discussing the prognosis for stage 4 breast cancer. These statistics are always backward looking, based on survival rates of individuals treated in the past. The five year survival rate for someone that is being appropriately treated today is approximately 20% in the United States...
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3. What is the prognosis for stage 4 melanoma?

   The prognosis for stage 4 melanoma is totally unpredictable. One question is whether they were able to remove all the tumor during the surgery. This would be unlikely given how widespread it was. The only treatments out there are experimental ones usually at major medical centers. However it is impossible to say how the melanoma will behave...
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4. How necessary is it to treat cancer?

   Refusing cancer treatment is tricky. It depends on the type of cancer and how aggressive the cancer is as well as what, if any, treatment options exist as to whether it is a good idea to refuse treatment.
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5. Do hot spots on a cat scan mean you have cancer?

   In general, CT scans are screening tests. Just because spots show up on your CT scan, it doesn't mean you have cancer. To diagnose cancer in those "hot spots", we would have to have the spots biopsied, and the results would have to show cancerous growth...
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6. How do I support my friend whose spouse has cancer?

   When we hear that a loved one, friend, or their spouse has received a terminal diagnosis, we’re often reluctant to talk to them out of concern that we might say the wrong thing or be unable to give comforting answers for their pain and approaching lo...
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7. What tests can be done to diagnose cancer early?

   Based on your description of your family history, you may benefit by arranging an appt to see a certified genetic counselor. Genetic counselors provide information, education and support to individuals who may have a genetic condition or may be at risk for developing a condition...
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8. What is mom's prognosis with multiple myleoma and an uncontrolled bleed?

   Unfortunately your mothers prognosis is very grim. With Multiple Myeloma and uncontrolled bleeding, she probably has a day or two to a week or two. There is no way to be sure and occasionally people live much longer than we expect. In this case, sadly your mother is likely to die very soon if she...
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9. Can a blood test detect cancer?

   Blood test detection of cancer is not the best way to go but it is important to determine what you are actually concerned about. Depending on your age , family history and specific symptoms you may have there are more specific ways to look for cancer . Sometimes we can worry ourselves in to a bad situation thinking that we are going to get cancer...
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10. Is polycythemia vera ruba blood cancer?

    Polycythemia vera ruba is not cancer, but rather a blood disease. It may have a genetic cause, but medical research is still looking into this. Basically, the bone marrow is overstimulated, and produces too many red blood cells. Sometimes people with this disease can have double the amount of red blood cells that are normal...
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11. What does an inconclusive biopsy mean?

    Inconclusive could mean that there were not enough cells to test, based on the biopsy sample, or something could have gone wrong during the shipping and handling of the tissue, which hindered the pathologist ability to analyze the cells.
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12. Can itching in the genitals indicate possible cancer?

    While itching all over the body can be a sign of cancer, it would be very unusual for itching specifically in the vaginal and anal areas to be a sign of cancer. The itching could be caused by the dryness that comes post menopause, which can lead to horrible itching and discomfort...
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13. What is the prognosis for stage 4 ovarian cancer?

    When your oncologist tells you that your ovarian cancer is Stage IV, it means the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of your body. That said, no one can offer you a prognosis for your cancer other than your own oncologist, who is familiar with your case, in particular your pathology reports...
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14. What are common symptoms of lymphoma?

    Lymphoma is a disease of the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system. When the cells become malignant, not only do they change or stop their normal function to defend the body, but they multiply uncontrollably and create additional problems.
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15. my husband is 53 and has kidney and iliac wing and pelvic...

    What to expect depends on the type of cancer, how fast it grows and where it metastasizes. It is important to discuss the possibilities with your husband’s oncologist.
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16. Can breast cancer start in another part of the body?

    The question is what is the primary site of any cancer. In order to be truly what we call "breast cancer" the origin or primary site of the cancer must be in the breast. Cancer that comes from another primary site and is found in the breast is not called breast cancer. It would be called ________ cancer that has metastasized to the breast...
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17. Should I continue my cancer treatment?

    Given the information that I have, I would say that for long term cancer treatment, the main reason for continuing, without cure as an option, is exactly prolongation of life. That is up to you if your oncologist is offering further treatment...
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18. What can we expect after a diagnosis of gulotta carcinoma?

    Carcinomas affect cells that cover body structures or cells that line the body cavity, internal organs and glands. It is the most common class of cancers, and it includes lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. While I'm unfamiliar with gulotta carcinoma, it's likely that you and your boyfriend will be facing similar situations as others fighting carcinomas...
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19. Can you have partial lung cancer?

    With a cancer diagnosis, that means there is presence of cancer. It does not mean that a part of the body is 100% cancerous. With the HIPAA laws, it's true that you will not find additional information from the care providers, but you should try to glean the information from your brother first...
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20. Does a lung mass equal cancer?

    Hi. It is important to ask your doctor what type of mass you have. A mass can be cancer as well as not. Your doctor will tell you what test have been done and what type of mass, cancer or not you have. It is of ten intimidating to ask doctors important questions but you should schedule time in the office...
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