lung ct results?

Hi, While in hospital recently a routine chest x-ray showed some abnormalities. A follow up ct scan stated: In the posterior and medal aspect at the right lung base there is ill defined pleural based opacity which measures 3.19cm x 1.13cm in size and there is similar but much less marked opacification in the posterior and medial aspect at the left lung base. There is no collapse or consolidation at the lung bases and there is no pleural effusion.
What does this mean? I have been a heavy smoker for many years.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

From what you have described, then we can be dealing here with a pleural based mass (the pleura is the fibrous covering of the lungs).  Now, the question is whether this mass would pose a threat to health or not.  Possible causes for this would include both benign and malignant tumors.  The most common malignant tumor presenting this way would be malignant mesothelioma, but there are also more common benign conditions such as chronic infections with calcifications, or occupational lung diseases.

I would suggest that you discuss with your doctors regarding pursuing this further, possibly through a biopsy or serial follow up scans.

Regards.