Partially Calcified Lymphnodes

I recently went in for a company physical and the chest x-ray shows partially calcified lymphnodes in my lungs.  I am scheduled for a cat scan next week.  Also, for about the last year, I have had weird sensations in my chest.  I thought it was my heart, but I have had my heart extensively checked.  The sensations feel like a heart palpitation or like I've been punched in the chest.  They only last for a second.  Sometimes I'll go a month without having one, sometimes it's everyday.  My question is...could this be lung cancer?  I have recently started working out vigorously and have no troubles breathing.  Thanks for your time.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

It is highly likely that  calcified lymph nodes are the result of a lung infection, even one you might have had years or even decades ago.  Calcification is not a 100% guarantee that the lesions seen are not malignant but is strongly suggestive of it.  It is unlikely that “weird sensations” would be caused by these calcified nodes but possible with extensive lymph node enlargement or the associated calcification.

The CT Scan should resolve the issue of the nodes but is unlikely to reveal the chest symptoms.  It would be wise for you and your doctors to attempt to locate prior X-rays, including those taken some years ago, for comparison with the present chest X-ray.

Before ruling out your heart as a cause, especially of the palpitation, it would be wise for you to confirm with your doctor that the testing has provided a high degree of certainty that your heart is not causing your symptoms, but the symptoms you describe are of a type and frequency unlikely to be associated with heart disease, especially if not induced by “vigorous” exercise.

Good luck