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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
CT Results what do they mean
Answered by
David Tinkelman, M.D. - Respiratory Disorder
National Jewish Health
CO
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
CT Results what do they mean
by jaime6969, Oct 05, 2009 09:12PM
What does the below mean for a CT Scan?
Subcentimeter Bibasilar Noncalcified pulmonary nodules. Findings could represent noncalcified granulomas. Neverless consider correlation with Chest CT to evaluate for futher nodules and or Adenopathy?
What does this mean in english?
Subcentimeter Bibasilar Noncalcified pulmonary nodules. Findings could represent noncalcified granulomas. Neverless consider correlation with Chest CT to evaluate for futher nodules and or Adenopathy?
What does this mean in english?
Doctor's Answer
by David Tinkelman, M.D., Oct 14, 2009 12:33PM
, Oct 14, 2009 12:33PMTo: jaime6969
Your description suggests that the nodules were noted on an abdominal CT Scan. Thus, the recommendation that you should have a Chest CT scan.
The nodules refer to well-defined spots on your lungs, located in the lower portion of the lungs. The term, “subcentimeter” means that, by conventional standards, these nodules are very small and nodules this size are benign, most of the time. When nodules contain calcium that is almost always a sure sign of a benign cause. The reference to “granulomas” means that the nodules could be “scars” from a previous infection. Granulomas are common and generally of no significance.
The recommendation that you have a Chest CT Scan is based on the fact that, while these nodules have a benign appearance, it is not radiologically possible to declare them to be benign, with 100% certainty.
The first thing you should do is to locate and request (for review) any and all previous chest X-rays to see if these nodules might have been present in the distant past. If so, it may not be necessary to get a Chest CT Scan. Also, if you are less than 35 years of age and a non/never smoker, have had no history of respiratory symptoms and no family history, and live in a part of the country where the finding of such nodules is common, it might be OK to wait 3-6 months, to get a Chest CT.
Recommendations for the next step would depend upon the factors mentioned in the preceding paragraph and the experience & expertise of your physicians. . You and your primary care doctor should discuss this and if he/she has had a lot of experience with this type of problem and, after discussion with the radiologist, believes it acceptable to wait and watch for 3-6 months before seeking consultation with a local Lung Specialist, you may choose to do just that.
But if you cannot tolerate not knowing, for sure, what is going on, you may want to request referral to a lung specialist sooner.
Good luck
The nodules refer to well-defined spots on your lungs, located in the lower portion of the lungs. The term, “subcentimeter” means that, by conventional standards, these nodules are very small and nodules this size are benign, most of the time. When nodules contain calcium that is almost always a sure sign of a benign cause. The reference to “granulomas” means that the nodules could be “scars” from a previous infection. Granulomas are common and generally of no significance.
The recommendation that you have a Chest CT Scan is based on the fact that, while these nodules have a benign appearance, it is not radiologically possible to declare them to be benign, with 100% certainty.
The first thing you should do is to locate and request (for review) any and all previous chest X-rays to see if these nodules might have been present in the distant past. If so, it may not be necessary to get a Chest CT Scan. Also, if you are less than 35 years of age and a non/never smoker, have had no history of respiratory symptoms and no family history, and live in a part of the country where the finding of such nodules is common, it might be OK to wait 3-6 months, to get a Chest CT.
Recommendations for the next step would depend upon the factors mentioned in the preceding paragraph and the experience & expertise of your physicians. . You and your primary care doctor should discuss this and if he/she has had a lot of experience with this type of problem and, after discussion with the radiologist, believes it acceptable to wait and watch for 3-6 months before seeking consultation with a local Lung Specialist, you may choose to do just that.
But if you cannot tolerate not knowing, for sure, what is going on, you may want to request referral to a lung specialist sooner.
Good luck
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