nodule

I am due for a ct scan in about a month.  A 1cm nodule was discovered while I was having a ct scan with and without contrast for a kidney cyst, which turned out okay. What in size is the difference between a cm and mm?  I was a smoker for years  and started to cut down several years ago and now of course have quit.  I had a ct scan in 2004 and 2005 for cancer research and nothing was discovered.  Are there other causes for nodules to appear? This last month of waiting is starting to worry me.  The pulmonary Dr. wanted to wait the three months since the last scan in Dec.07.I know I have several questions here but I would appreciate your reply.

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

10mm = 1 cm

Nodules may be malignant tumors, non-malignant tumors, granuloma (infectious in nature usually tuberculosis/sarcoid). Occasionally, other structures such as blood vessels may be mistaken as solid nodules - hence some immune-related diseases that attack blood vessels on the lung may appear like nodules.

The 3 month waiting period is pretty standard. This balances the chance of detecting early progression (which would signify that the nodule is more likely malignant and would necessitate the biopsy) and the potential toxicity of radiation from the scanning itself (which would be tragic - as the tool used to find early cancer may be contributory to the genesis of the cancer it detects). Of course, sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait. Should you feel anything different which you think may be related - a visit to your doctor would be in order - so the 3 months is only if there is no particular problem that arises in the interim.

Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

[bettyboo209]

i have had several nodules found recently in my body in lung went from .3cm to .8cm that was five months ago now it is growing i also have pelvic findings of 3mm and in knee some foreign matter what could it be

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

It would be best to discuss the problem with your doctor. It would also be important to know which specific organs the cysts seem to favor as there may be a pattern based on a joint origin of certain body parts. If there is something in the knee that is superficial and a biopsy can be done, this may be a reasonable thing to do. Try to see also if there are cysts under the skin which may be easy to perform a biopsy. Stay positive.