Follow-up CAT scan for lung scar diagnosis

[InCanada]

This question is for my 79 year-old mother. She recently had a chest x-ray as part of a general physical and was then sent for a CAT scan of her lungs(specifically left lobe). Her doctor reported yesterday that the CAT scan results indicate "scarring" of the left lobe. He said, based on the CAT scan analysis of scarring, that he is not concerned, but the CAT scan was ordered to look for the possibility of lung cancer. He has advised a 3-month follow-up CAT scan to see if there are any changes. My Mother was diagnosed by the same doctor several years ago with mild COPD. She has been a relatively light life-long smoker. Other than occasional slight wheezing, she has no other symptoms and, except for osteoporosis, is generally in good health. Should we still be concerned re: lung cancer in spite of her doctor's remarks ? Thanks in advance for any information.

[National Jewish]

A CT scan of the lungs looks at all of the areas.  If there is no description of a suspicious lesion, this is generally good news.  The scarring can be old and from many different causes.  If you still have concerns, I would suggest directly asking for the report.

[Mtnbkr]

A follow up CT Scan for lung scarring seems to be the protocol- i am 36--was recently diagnosed with small localized lung scarring due to a pretty large spot of pneumonia on my upper right lobe- Dr wants me in for another CT scan in 3 months as well. They just want to make sure the scarring hasnt grown which would be the sign of some other issues such as pulmonary fibrosis or other disease- if the scar is the same size after the 3 month time frame chances are there is no need to worry.