Nodules

[bgregory]

what does noncalcified nodules demonstrating central cavitation mean?

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
I’m assuming that the student is young meaning less than 40 years old.
In such a case, if the nodules clustered in the mediastinum, they may represent lymph nodes of lymphoma. The presence of the cough is not typical – this may be an intercurrent infection.
Speaking of infections, it is probably more likely that the problem is infection not cancer. Where is the student from? Could it be tuberculosis?
It may be prudent to have sputum and blood culture studies.

[Dr_Stender]

A foreign exchange student has been complaining of a cough that has lasted for over three weeks. Her coughing fits often cause her to produce sputum as well as blood on occasion. She has also has been having minor chest and back pain, accompanied by off and on night sweats and fatigue. Upon viewing X-rays several nodules are notice within the respiratory cavity.

What could it be?

[HeinrikMD]

Recovery times may vary with the rates of healing as well with the extent of lung that is included.
In general, for those that would involve removing lobes with cancer, the expected recovery would be around 6 to 8 weeks.
Your surgery was done for non-malignant disease, and hence it should be shorter than this.
Discuss the symptoms with your doctor. Are you able to use both your arms well? any limitations with range of movements?

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
There is some overlap between benign and malignant nodules when you consider cavitations. In general, those that have thick walled cavitations are more likely malignant. Those whose walls are greater than 16mm are usually malignant, and those that are less than 4 mm are usually benign.
Discuss the risks for malignancy with your doctor. There are more features to consider beyond the images.
Stay positive.

[MChad]

I am a 38 year old woman who recently had a spontaneous pneumothorax.  I have had chest pain, shortness of breath, etc... for  a long time.  I had many xrays that were done with no result (ER, doctors, etc...).  It was not until 3 months before my lung collapsed that a CT was actually performed.  I have bullous disease with blebs in upper lobes and nodules throughout the lungs, mostly the right. The largest is at 5mm.   I have had lung surgery 9 months ago where they did a wedge resection and cut some of the plural space and a talc to attach the lung to the chest wall. I have had two CT's since surgery and my nodules keep growing and I keep getting more showing up.  I have also shown some cavitation on one nodule.  I was a smoker for 20 years and have quit for almost 10 months. I am also a hair dresser and around chemicals often.  No history of family lung cancer. Has anyone had this type of surgery?  I keep pushing myself but I still get alot of chest pain.  Center chest, uppershoulder, shoulder and down arm, in back shoulderblade.  If I lift to much weight I regret it later.  Alot of things that I cannot do still but I try.  Sometimes the pain is severe but I do not take pain meds.  I am trying to find out if this is normal and if I will get to a point where the pain is less severe?!!?

[ipnotica]

Cavitation means that a cavity has formed within the nodule.  

Calcification within a nodule is usually an indicator of a benign lesion;  however, approximately 10% of malignant nodules demonstrate calcification.