lung nodules in left lobe 2mm and 7mm

[Lincolnslp]

I had a heart CT scan and a lung scan was included.  My Dr. told me that I have a 2 mm and a 7 mm nodule in the left lower lobe.  She said that the radiologist reported that it was not spiculated and that the borders were smooth.  She did not comment on calcification.  I have been having pain in the upper left abdominal area and had a CT scan to rule out any abdominal abnormalities.  My first question could the abdominal pain be related to the nodules and secondly I am to have a repeat scan in four months.  Should I have the scan sooner?   Or are there other test to indicate whether this is benign or malignant.

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

The size of the nodules found makes it sound like they are benign. An assessment would be made on the features of the nodules and on your baseline risk for cancer (age and smoking history are among the things to consider).
Since this was a study requested for the abdomen, do you have a scan involving the chest (so that we can see if there are more nodules on the middle and upper lobes which are not visualized during an abdominal scan)? This may also provide some information as to the nature of the nodules.
The interval between the scans is anywhere from 3 to 6 months and this practice seems to balance between capturing disease progression early enough with the toxicity of the radiation employed in the scans.
Stay positive.