Lung Nodules

[Pattij]

I recently had a liver scan which caught my lungs as well.  The lungs showed a 7.9 mm nodule in the lower right lobe.  It was decided to do another CT contrast scan.  This scan indicated several nodules.  The radiologist suggest a followup in 6 weeks.  Is this standard procedure?  I have those pushing me to ask for a biopsy now.

I am a non-smoker, but was was exposed to heavy second hand smoke all my childhood years.

[National Jewish]

A nodule is usually a small, round shadow seen on chest x-ray anywhere in the lungs.  A chest CT scan is usually the next test that is done because it is more sensitive and shows more detail than a chest x-ray.  The shape, smoothness, and density of the nodule will be seen on the CT scan.  This will help in determining what this could be.  If you have had previous chest x-rays or CT scans it would be helpful to locate them.  Then your doctor could compare them with your most recent chest x-ray and CT scan.  The comparison could be most helpful to your doctors, in interpreting these findings and the significance of the nodule.

Nodules are due to infections, inflammation, or tumors.  Nodules that are 1 centimeter (10 millimeters) in size or smaller are very unlikely to be cancer.  A nodule that will eventually grow may be unchanged for 6 months.  The important thing is that they have not grown after 6 months.  As long as you feel well it is reasonable to repeat the CT scan in 6 months, again in another 6 months, and then, if no change is seen repeating the CT scan 2 years from when the nodules were first discovered.  Repeating the CT scan in 6 weeks is probably just being on the safe side.  Only if it has grown would more testing be done to know what the nodule could be.  When the nodule has not changed for 2 years it is considered stable and no further testing would be needed.

[nickie25]

Hi- my brother recently whent to the doctor. He broke his ribs and fractured some vertebrae in a combat training and during an examination on his ribs, they discovered a  lump in one of his lungs. Is it possible this could have been caused by some of the damage to his ribs and spine? He is 33- always non-smoker, wasn't raised with smokers. I'm just nervous for him. Anyone have any kind of an answer or just some comforting info?  He's my hero.

[SusieQ2u]

A related discussion, 8mm non-calcified in lower left against wall was started.

[Pattij]

Thank you Ellis7, for your comments.  As far as symptoms, I have had coughing episodes that have strangled and have made me vomit a couple of times.  I assumed it was allergies and drainage.  It may be just that too.

[Ellis7]

The advice seems reasonable if there are no symptoms. Lung biopsies are non trivial procedures. See: http://www.stjohnsmercy.org/healthinfo/test/heart/TP089.asp
Lung Biopsy

You could ask for referral to a pulmonologist for another opinion.
A noninvasive test using PET scan is another way to go.