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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Cancer On The Outside Of The Lung

I have an aunt with cancer on the outside of her lung. The doctors are going to fill that lung with foam. That s all the info I have received from family members. Apparently they will send her home for a couple of weeks, then bring her back to re-evaluate. I m not familiar with this procedure. Any insight?
posted on Tue, 24 Feb 2015
Twitter Mon, 4 May 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 4 May 2015 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

I guess your aunt is taking treatment similar to what was described as plombage in the past. In this treatment, given to people with severe lung TB, the lung was cleared and filled with inert balls. This can be compared to something like filling up the extra spaces which have been destroyed by the condition with an inert substance. This will prevent from more infection and avoid more complications.

It is possible that her doctor wants to seal off any undesired area of lungs and pack it with inert material.This will restrict the disease to the affected areas and prevent any secondary infections. If there is any more detail that you have got then please send it to us and we will explain more accurately the benefits of such a treatment in your aunts case. Please do not worry.
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Suggest Treatment For Cancer On The Outside Of The Lung

Hi, Thanks for writing in. I guess your aunt is taking treatment similar to what was described as plombage in the past. In this treatment, given to people with severe lung TB, the lung was cleared and filled with inert balls. This can be compared to something like filling up the extra spaces which have been destroyed by the condition with an inert substance. This will prevent from more infection and avoid more complications. It is possible that her doctor wants to seal off any undesired area of lungs and pack it with inert material.This will restrict the disease to the affected areas and prevent any secondary infections. If there is any more detail that you have got then please send it to us and we will explain more accurately the benefits of such a treatment in your aunts case. Please do not worry.