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Does Black Spots In Mucus Indicate Cancer?

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: Hello, i stopped smoking cigarettes completely about six months ago and stopped smoking marijuana about 3 weeks ago. I been smoking marijuana since 13 and im 29 now. As per picture uploaded, do the black spots in the mucus i spit look normal? I noticed after running on the treadmill a couple miles the day before, it comes out more. Is it normal?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
well.... not normal.....

Detailed Answer:
ok.... lung cancer at under age 30 is about never. Literally, unknown HIV with AIDS related lung fungal infection is more common. Also, holes in the lung from previous injury and collection of gunk in these areas and repeated pneumonias is also more common (called bronchiectasis).

And... the cause that I actually have seen in patients (and see basically on a weekly basis... REALLY COMMON) is lung healing and getting up over a decade of gunk that collected in the lung. Note that the rest of the sputum is CLEAR, not inflamed, not infected.
Furthemore, running opens up the lung and allows the gunk to get mobilized. Hydration and perhaps guafenesin might improve the mobilization.

Bottom line, this is likely a sign of returning lung function, lung healing, and getting rid of junk out of it and likely a GOOD sign. Cannot say for sure in your particular case without an exam. Online information is no substitute for direct exams with/without x-rays.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 4214 Questions

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Does Black Spots In Mucus Indicate Cancer?

Brief Answer: well.... not normal..... Detailed Answer: ok.... lung cancer at under age 30 is about never. Literally, unknown HIV with AIDS related lung fungal infection is more common. Also, holes in the lung from previous injury and collection of gunk in these areas and repeated pneumonias is also more common (called bronchiectasis). And... the cause that I actually have seen in patients (and see basically on a weekly basis... REALLY COMMON) is lung healing and getting up over a decade of gunk that collected in the lung. Note that the rest of the sputum is CLEAR, not inflamed, not infected. Furthemore, running opens up the lung and allows the gunk to get mobilized. Hydration and perhaps guafenesin might improve the mobilization. Bottom line, this is likely a sign of returning lung function, lung healing, and getting rid of junk out of it and likely a GOOD sign. Cannot say for sure in your particular case without an exam. Online information is no substitute for direct exams with/without x-rays.