Could it be cancer of the Lung?

[kimmyekay]

I was diagnosed this week with a 3mm nodule in my upper left lung after a chect catscan.  I am 48 years old Female. Never smoked but, have had Melanoma twice within 4 years (stage 2ab and 1).  Please help me.

[National Jewish Health]

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.