spot on lung

I am 59 years old, ex smoker (quit 22 years ago).  While x-raying my lung checking for pneumonia the xray showed a nodgule?  i am a severe asthmatic and have had pneumonia on several occasions.  They did a Cat Scan and said the nod was .08 or 08 centimeters in dia.  Now they have ordered a Pet Scan.  They won't say i have lung cancer but they need to do this pet sacn to rule it out.  Do you think they believe that i have lung cancer and just won't tell me until they do the pet scan and can tell  for certain.  (p.s. i have to admit I am quite scared)  thank you.  b.j.

[National Jewish Health]

If the nodule is 0.8 cm in diameter, that would still be considered a small nodule and the majority of nodules this size, even in former smokers, are benign.  That directly applies to you, and gives reason for optimism.  Your doctors probably suspect that you do no have lung cancer, but want to be sure.

The first step, if not already done, should be to obtain all prior chest x-rays, not just the reports, for comparison with the current plain x-ray.  Comparison with CT scans would be even better, if you have ever had one.

The combination of CT and PET is more accurate in distinguishing benign nodules from malignant nodules, but it is not perfect.

[bjw59]

thank you so much for you answer.  i feel so much better.  I do have a PET scan scheduled for tomorrow.   once again thank you.  

[joerose400]

I hope everything turned out good for you b.j.  --prayers and congratulations on not smoking for 22 yrs.