cat scan

[risas]

I have the results of my CT scan, there are multiple ,irregular nodular densities in the right lung with somewhat groundglass appearence. These vary in size from 6 to 16 mm, are parenchymal and pleural based and in the upper and lower lobes. Patchy infiltrate is present in the right lower lobe. What means groundglass appearence. Also a couple of weeks ago I had bronquitis. Could you help me understand al of this. I have an appointment to a pulmonary doctor on February 25. Thank you for your help

[risas]

Well, I went to see the pulmonary doctor. Results: It seems that the nodules are calcified, except for one. The doctor gave me antibiotic for 2 weeks. after that I  will have a bronchoscopy, and depend what the results I will have a CT Scant in 3 months. The probability of cancer es low. But it still there. In case of cancer he thinks in bronchoalveolar cancer, he told me no surgery, probably radiation. We'll see. Thank you again for your help. Risas

[risas]

Thank you very much for your help. Of course I,m very worried and I know is not going to be easy. I let you  know what the doctor tells me. Thank you again. Risas

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

Its pretty hard to say what you have based only on the information that you have. The definitive diagnosis if cancer is under suspicion, would be thorigh sampling of the nodules, a procedure called a biopsy. This is generally done through a needle over the chest wall, in your case – the description sounds like they are closer to the external chest wall than more central areas (where the heart is located).

Most information collected from other patients are cases with a single nodule, not multiple nodules as in your case. Lung cancer would more likely present with a single or a dominant mass.

Looking only at size, about 80% of benign nodules (from case series with single nodules) would be less than 20 mm. The nodules may represent infections of a slow course like tuberculosis. There are also benign nodules that remain indolent and never cause any symptoms.

The ground glass may only mean an area of non-specific infiltration, however, if that is the description of the nodules, a specific cancer to be considered is bronchoalveolar carcinoma. The location of the nodules along the pleura raises suspicion that it is primarily mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining/pleura).

There are indeed a number of possibilities. When you meet your doctor, inquire about how high the suspicion for malignancy is. If it is low, you would likely be advised monitoring with serial imaging/CT scans over 3 month intervals or so. If it is high, a biopsy would be recommended.