Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Expert Forum)
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Apr 28, 2009 05:24PM
, Apr 28, 2009 05:24PM
A 3 mm nodule is generally considered to be a very small nodule and nodules this small are almost always benign, especially in non-smokers. However cancerous nodules, however unlikely, must at some time be small. I am sorry to say that, with your history of melanoma, this small nodule could be melanoma, but it need not be, given that such small nodules are so common.
Medical judgment about solitary nodules is strongly influenced by their appearance, be it smooth, irregular, calcified etc, but this is seldom possible with such a small nodule. Assessment is also influenced by a person’s age and health history. Putting all the variables together requires experience and I strongly suggest that you request that your cancer doctor (oncologist) consult with a lung specialist and the radiologist who interpreted the CT scan and then provide you with their well-considered recommendations.
If this nodule proves to be malignant that would be very discouraging. On the other hand, it is encouraging that it has been found and removed, at this early stage.
Good luck.
Medical judgment about solitary nodules is strongly influenced by their appearance, be it smooth, irregular, calcified etc, but this is seldom possible with such a small nodule. Assessment is also influenced by a person’s age and health history. Putting all the variables together requires experience and I strongly suggest that you request that your cancer doctor (oncologist) consult with a lung specialist and the radiologist who interpreted the CT scan and then provide you with their well-considered recommendations.
If this nodule proves to be malignant that would be very discouraging. On the other hand, it is encouraging that it has been found and removed, at this early stage.
Good luck.
