need help

Hi my nanme is jessica I am 24 years old. I been a smoker since 18 I was on and off but finally quit  in 11/20/2011 for good and now its 01/06/2012.  I had Left lower abdomen pain got a CT scan. The CT scan of Abd. is okay, but the radiologist note in my CT scan that "There is a 2x2 mm opacity in the left lung base series 2 image 1 which is non calcified and may be a small nodule" I dont know what that means... I got the CT-scan done because  I used to work in a dr. office but I am jobless because i am  going to school. I am very worried. I need advice professional please. I am saving money to go see a doctor but I  am so worried....so scared right now.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What other symptoms are present? The results of the ct scan indicates an opacity in the left lung and a small nodule was considered. Lung nodules or small masses of tissue in the lung are quite common and they appear as round, white shadows on a chest X-ray or CT scan. Most lung nodules are noncancerous and may be caused by infection, a small collection of normal cells (hamartoma), lung cysts, and vascular abnormalities. Noncancerous lung nodules usually require no treatment. At this point, it is best that you discuss the results of your CT scan with your doctor for proper evaluation. A comparison of the scan to previous scans may be done also to compare any changes in the nodule, which is a characteristic of the malignant types. Take care and do keep us posted.