colorectal cancer with mets to lung-is this SCLC or NSCLC or neither?

hi

Uncle,71, had loop illeostomy in April, which will not be reversed. Rectal tumor will not be removed. Scan showed spots to the lung which won't be operated on. Oncologist yesterday advised radiotherapy to shrink rectal tumor, and chemo for the lungs. Is his lung cancer SCLC or NSCLC or neither? i can't find any info regarding this, and didn't want to ask oncologist in front of Uncle. Can anyone shed any light on this please?Thanks.

On 8/2/2009 Debbie S wrote:

hi

Uncle,71, had loop illeostomy in April, which will not be reversed. Rectal tumor will not be removed. Scan showed spots to the lung which won't be operated on. Oncologist yesterday advised radiotherapy to shrink rectal tumor, and chemo for the lungs. Is his lung cancer SCLC or NSCLC or neither? i can't find any info regarding this, and didn't want to ask oncologist in front of Uncle. Can anyone shed any light on this please?Thanks.

Oncologist should able to run biopsy test to determine where is the origin.  Without it it would be hard to be treated properly.  Pls insist for biopsy test at this lung spot and the rectal to confirm.

Best wishes,

Victoria

Hello....

          I also could not ask much in front of my husband....I know IF you call you can get your answers without your love one knowing or hearing. Sometimes making that call without them knowing IS best. Good luck.

Probably it is neither.... just mets from the colorectal cancer. If cancer cells travel from original cancer it is still the cancer of the original site...just taking up residence in another organ/spot.

As others have stated... a biopsy would tell, however might not change the treatment.

Just to say thank you to those who replied to my message.             Uncle unfortunately became too weak for the planned treatment; radiotherapy and more chemo, and no plans for a biopsy. We just take one day at a time.