Worried about X-RAY Upper Lobe Density

[CJMA]

Hi,

I just turned 40.  Unfortunately I smoked (less than 1ppd) the last 10 years.  Nothing before that.

Usually Very healthy.  In September had a bad three week cold with cough that totally went away but a week later asthma/shortness of breath followed.

Saw my doctor last week who gave me an inhaler and took a chest X-Ray.  Chest X-RAY showed all normal execept a small "right upper lobe density/ possible atelectasis.

I'm scheduled for a CT-SCAN on Saturday and will get the results next Tuesday.  My Doctor told me that she was not concerned about the density found on the chest X-RAY and that I should relax.  She said they are only doing the CT Scan because I am a smoker.  Originally the CT was schedule 3 weeks out but I asked my Doctor to move it up because I'm obviously worried.

I'm not a smoker anymore!  I quit last week when they did the Chest X-RAY.  Over the last week I'm back to running 2 miles daily and have zero symptoms except for occasional shortness of breath which the inhaler helps.

Can you shed any light on this for me and help me from thinking the worst?  Unfortunately I did a lot web research and I'm pretty scared right now!

Thanks.......

[msmommie518]

A related discussion, lung concern was started.

[billyspr]

i am trying to quit smoking.  its aweful.  but it just seems at 39 i should have more energy and feel better.  my throat feels like a bad movie...it is aweful.  I have been thinking its something aweful...cancer...worse...who knows.   my throat feels raw and has for weeks and weeks.  the dr claims its a mere common cold.  well he hasnt had to go to  the bathroom and thrown up over and over.  i use to love the gym but now i get home and feel glad i made it home alive.  what in the world could this be???

[babysmaid2]

I am so happy for you! The net is a useful tool but you definitely have to scrutinize the information. Whatever you do, DON'T SMOKE EVER AGAIN!!!! Stay healthy...

[National Jewish]

It is understandable that you would be worried about this.  However the odds are in your favor, given your age, general good health and your relatively light smoking history.  Atelectasis is an area of the lung that is not fully expanded, so it is getting less air.  This is often referred to as a collapsed area of the lung.  This type of mini-collapse is likely to happen in people who smoke due to mucus plugging and also in anyone with a recent respiratory infection.  In most instances this is of no consequence to your health.  The CT scan will probably resolve this issue.  If it doesn't, you should ask your doctor about doing a sputum cytology exam.

Don't be alarmed if your doctors suggest a repeat chest x-ray or CT scan in 3 to 6 months.  If any old x-rays can be found to compare with your recent one, you may be able to save yourself a lot of time and worry.  If the atelectasis was present on x-rays taken more than 1 year ago, you will be home free.

[CJMA]

UPDATE:

After many sleepless nights I got my CT results today.

Turns out the density was some scarring in my right lung that the radiologist and my Doctor said is totally insignificant and harmless!  Could have been from my month long cold or from smoking but nothing to worry about.

Just need to remain off the cigs and get on with my new (healthy) lifestyle.

Thank-you Babysmaid and Jay for responding to my post.  I wish you both the best.

To all out there who are worried (like I was).

STAY OFF THE WEB.  Let the Doctor's do the diagnosing and try to think positive.  I didn't do any of this and it just drained me for 2 weeks.

[Jay000]

Also 40 yrs old,had shortness of breath and a former smoker. Went to the Pulmonoligist and they did a X Ray. Found possible atlectasis and followed up with a CT. No atelectasis but had a 5 mm nodular density, ok now I am scared. Doc said it was nothing but follow up in 3 months with another CT. Well in 3 months the 5 mm nodule was gone but now they find a 3 mm nodule that was on the first CT but not noticed, no change stable, follow up in 3 months. Now it is 6 months and another CT, the 3 mm nodule is still there and stable, no change, but now they find another nodule and yes it was on the first CT 6 months ago and this one is unchanged too, follow up in 6 months. What are they going to find next time. From all the research I have done it appears that 96% of nodules under 1 cm are benign and almost all CT scans will show something but what is important is that nothing changes after 6 months, most cancers double in size in 6 months or less. Try not to worry and God Bless, always remember that Jesus Loves us and hears our prayers!

[CJMA]

Thank-you Jay!

I'm finding I should not think the worst.  There are a lot of other possibilities.  Enjoy the holiday!

[babysmaid2]

I can't help you with any medical advice, but I do know how you feel! I smoked for 15 years, quit 16 years ago. For almost three years I've had a lingering cough, it started after a virus my family had. I've had pneumonia 3 times in fourteen months, lost 15 pounds, and my CT detected "spots" on my lungs. I had a pulmonary lung function test and it showed some abnormalities. I am 46, with a 4 year old, and a 6 year old. I absolutely PANICKED! I just knew I had cancer. I would look at my children and feel sick that they were going to lose their mother at a young age. Don't mind trip yourself, it's really dangerous/counter-productive! I am still in the process of trying to figure out what the heck is going on, but I really have resolved myself to the idea that I'm going to be fine. I suggest you do the same. If your doctor had serious concerns he/she would've acted more assertively. I've done my fair share of surfing the net for answers, and I am AMAZED at all of the possibilities other than cancer. My doctor did do blood work and screened for many things like cancer/myeloma, lupus, etc, and all were negative. It's a slow process, and unfortunately patience is required. Good for you to quit by the way!!!!!  Fortunately, and unfortunately you're not alone out there! Enjoy Thanksgiving, and relax!

[CJMA]

Thank-you for replying.  I hope you make out OK too!

I just got back from a 3.5 mile run.  It's hard to imagine something is seriously wrong if I can do that less than a week after quitting!!!