lung nodule

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I had a chest xray done and the Dr. called yesterday saying they found a 1 mm or 1cm nodule in the botton of my right lung. I was very upset so what she told I was not comprehending, but I think she said something about the nodule being soft.

She said not to worry about this but wants a cat scan done for a better veiw. I am highly allergic to shell fish so the will do the test without contrast, will the results be the same as they would be with contrast.

I went for the xray because I am a smoker, my husband had to go also because they supected pnemonia (pneumonia), I keep thinking maybe they mixed up our xrays. I am ranting but so frightened.

Thank you for your reply, Linda

[National Jewish]

It’s doubtful that the x-rays were mixed up because your chest x-ray would show breasts and your husband’s would not.

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, even without contrast.  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.  Only if they have grown would more testing be done to know what these nodules could be.  When the nodules have not changed for 2 years they are considered stable and no further testing would be needed.

Whatever the outcome, you should look upon this as a sign that you should stop smoking.  At this time quitting smoking is the most important thing that you can do for yourself!  You may want to look at our Quit Smoking Topic Center at http://www.nationaljewish.org/topic/smoking_cessation.html for ways to help you give up smoking.  Also check with your doctor for other quit smoking resources in your area.

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I had my c-scan, everything seems fine, per DR.

But I have some questions. THe report says adrenal gland size is maintained pobably related to hyperplasia or adenoma. The posteror right paravertebral mid thorax demonstrates degenerative calcified hypertrophic spurring accounting for lateral chest xray findings. Frontal view off xray right helum vascularity accounts for chest xray of a nodule.

Imp: normal without posterior right sided nodularity, confluent and degenersative markings acount for xray findings. left adrenal gland is upper limit of normal

I am 63 and am aware that I have hypertrophy of the left ventricle.(mild)

Could you please explain these findings and also advise If I need any other investiation into any of the findings.

Thnk you, Linda

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forgt to add the word confluent vascular and dengenrative markings account for chest xray.