r/lungcancer • u/pipeyjo Caregiver • 4d ago
Mom new diagnosis & pericardial effusion
My mom recently had a biopsy (2.5 weeks ago) on a lung nodule that was found on CT during follow up for her lymphoma (under active surveillance). The same day the biopsy came back for lung adenocarcinoma she was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain that we found out was a large pericardial effusion. They drained that last Friday and the fluid was sent for cytology. We still haven't heard anything, but I can see the sample has a comment from the pathologist that it is suspicious for adenocarcinoma and to 'see the cytology report'. The cytology report isn't available yet. Does anyone know how long these usually take? I was expecting it to be back today. We are in Canada.
Of course, I've gone down a rabbit hole of lung cancer with an initial presentation of malignant pericardial effusion and the prognosis is extremely poor. I'm so worried about wasting time when she could be getting started on treatment. There's been no follow up from the medical oncologist although we do see her hematologist early next week. I'm so worried and I don't know if there is anything to be done to speed things up, I've called to book an appointment but they want to wait until the actual report is back, not just the comments. Any feedback or stories are appreciated.
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u/Noodle_111 4d ago
I’m in Canada. We had to wait about five days from initial drain to confirm malignancy (from my husband’s pleural effusion), and then about six weeks after that to determine genetic markers that dictate the course of treatment… my husband started at diagnosis with a pleural effusion, and has since developed a pericardial effusion :( he’s 43. Feel free to dm me if you have any questions ❤️