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How to manage lung cancer in older adults?

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Patient's Query

my dad quit smoking about 8 months ago after smoking for nearly 22 years and we just found out last week that his CT scan showed some suspicious nodules in his left lung. the pulmonologist said its too early to confirm lung cancer but wants to do a PET scan next. hes 54 and his spirometry results came back with an FEV1 of 68% which the doctor said isnt great. we are really worried because his uncle died from lung cancer at 57 and the genetic history scares us. he smoked atleast a pack a day and only quit after developing that persistent cough that wouldnt go away for 3 months. the oncologist hasnt been consulted yet but our family doctor mentioned that quitting smoking earlier could have changed outcomes. his CEA levels came back slightly elevated at 5.8 ng/mL and we dont know what that mean for his situation. can quitting smoking this late still prevent lung cancer death or slow it down? is there any treatment or monitoring that helps someone in his position who already quit but maybe too late? please help us understand what we facing here.
Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

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Hello. Thank you for your query. First, it is very good that your father stopped smoking. Even after many years of smoking, quitting still has important benefits. In clinical practice we see that stopping smoking reduces further lung damage and improves overall health. It can also improve treatment outcomes if any lung disease, including cancer, is diagnosed. At this stage, the CT scan has only shown suspicious nodules, which does not automatically mean lung cancer. Many lung nodules are caused by infections, inflammation, or old scars in the lung. The PET scan your doctor advised is the correct next step because it helps determine whether these nodules are active and whether further testing such as a biopsy is needed. An FEV1 of 68% suggests some degree of airflow limitation, which is commonly seen in long-term smokers and may indicate chronic lung disease. This does not confirm cancer. The CEA value you mentioned is only mildly elevated and by itself cannot diagnose lung cancer, as it can also be slightly raised in smokers or other non-cancerous conditions. Regarding your concern about family history, most lung cancers are related to smoking and environmental exposures rather than strong inherited genetic factors. A relative with lung cancer does not necessarily mean your father will develop the same disease. Quitting smoking now is still very important and can reduce the risk of further lung damage and future complications. The most important step at this stage is completing the PET scan and following your doctor’s advice regarding further evaluation so that the exact cause of the lung nodules can be determined.
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 13, 2026
Reviewed At March 13, 2026

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

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Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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