Treating Lung Spread From Thyroid Cancer Without a Biopsy
by Linda
(Waterbury ct)
Reader Question
My dog is currently receiving chemo. at Cornell Vetrinary Cancer Center. they haven't been able to get a biopsy due to flow of air in the lungs. not knowing what king of cancer cells are in the lungs scares me. How can it be treated without knowing the type of cancer is in the lungs? the chemo he is receiving has reduced the size of the thyroid cancer considerably.
Answer from Our Team
Veterinary oncologists often treat suspected spread without a lung biopsy, which carries a risk of air leaking around the lung, because the spots are presumed to be the same cancer as the main tumor. The thyroid tumor's response is encouraging, though lung spread doesn't always respond the same way, which is why the team will monitor it.
Ask the oncology team how they'll measure response in the lungs, usually with X-rays or CT.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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