Noncalcified lung nodule- posterior left upper lobe

I'm not sure if I should be concerned about this or not and would like some input. I am a 33yr old non-smoking female, in May of 2006 I had a 9.5cm Renal cell carcinomia found enveloping my left kidney. I under went a left nephrectomy. The cancer had spread into the fatty tissue, however they were able to remove it all. No Chemo or radition needed I have had follow-up scans and blood work done every 3-6 months since. In Sept 07my oncologist had told me that the after i had scans in Feb. 08 I would be able to go to yearly scans. I had my scans on Tues. 12th and then my follow-up appt. yesterday the 13th my Dr. told me scans were clear, since it wasn't quite 2 years he wanted to do scans and blood in 9 months, then could possibly go to yearly. Didn't think much about it. Then I was reading copy of my scan reports the nurse gave me and it says- There is a 5mm noncalcified lung nodule in posterior left upper lobe- follow-up CT is recommended at 6-12 months in this patient with history of malignancy. Should i be concerned?  Also this probably isn't relivant but just FYI - I have lots of stuff going on right now my PCP has been looking into different Auto immune stuff, I've seen Neurologists and Rheumitologist we can't figure out what's going on. My Rheumitologist is considering sending me to the Mayo Clinic    

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

It would be best to discuss the findings with your doctor.

Offhand, renal cell cancers tend to metastasize to the lung, but it is not likely to present as a solitary nodule.

The advise to perform the scan after 9 months seems too great an interval, if there was suspicion that it could represent metastatic cancer. Surgery for lung metastasis is feasible for renal cell cancer and the monitoring interval may be too long. Another scenario is that if it is a primary lung cancer - the monitor interval also seems too large.

The FYI/lots of stuff may be important. There are some immune-mediated illnesses that may affect the lung, some do present with spots on the lungs as well, perhaps your Rheumatologist would also have an opinion when the CT is presented to him/her. Even without the problem with your immune system - the nodule may also represent a previous infection.