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Lung Cancer

Calcium deposits from tumor on lung

09/11/2007

Question:

my brother has undergone tests for a tumour found on his lung, after undergoing several biopsys and a CT scan we are no further forward to receiving a prognosis. However it has been found that the tumour is round in shape and there are calcium deposits on the lung, further tests are scheduled for later this week. Does this mean he does not have lung cancer?

Answer:

A rounded tumor with calcium deposits or calcification usually is benign. It could be from a fungal infection, especially in the Midwest area. However, if the tumor was irregular or spiculated, malignancy would be a concern. We need other tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Your physician might have ordered fungal serologies (Fungal blood test). Depending on the size and location a bronchoscopy (Where we can go inside the lung with a camera) may be another test. A timed contrast CT study to rule out a vascular lesion (benign tumor) is another possibility.

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Response by:

Shaheen Islam, MD, MPH Shaheen Islam, MD, MPH
Clinical Associate Professor
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
Hematology
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University