Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Lung Nodules
Answered by
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.
Lung Nodules
by Pattij, Jan 17, 2005 12:00AM
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.
I am a non-smoker, but was was exposed to heavy second hand smoke all my childhood years.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
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.
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.
Lung Biopsy
You could ask for referral to a pulmonologist for another opinion.
A noninvasive test using PET scan is another way to go.