Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

petrified young mom and wife

I am 33 yrs old. Non smoker. Had pain in my left shoulder blade every time I took a deep breath. This lasted 4 weeks. I Finally went to the Dr last week. X ray of the chest was clear but the Dr found a mad on my rib and ordered a cat scan of the abdomen. It came back positive for pleural thickening. The radiologist recommend follow up CT in 3 months. I was uncomfortable waiting that long and asked the Dr if she could send me for a Ct of my chest to make sure things were ok.I went yesterday and I got the results back today. Radiologist said positive for bilateral pulmonary nodules consistent with lung cancer and ordered a PET scan for this Monday to ccfirm. How can this be? I Have never smoked. I take care of my body. I eat healthy. I exercise. I'm only 33 years old. A wife. A mom to a 1 year old and 6 year old. Has anyone had both pleural thickening and bilateral pulmonary nodules that wasn't cancer? I am so scared.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
612551 tn?1450022175
You my find some hope in the following thread which is also on this forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Respiratory-Disorders/Lung-Nodules/show/1055851

It is very long, you may want to start toward the end, that's where I have the most familiarity.  

The good news/hope you may find there is many people who have lung nodules found in a CT scan, do not have cancer, in fact do not have anything that needs treatment.  The reason for the delay between CT scans, beside not exposing you to unfruitful radiation exposure, is to give the nodules time to change.  If they don't change, are dormant, then cancer is not at all likely.  If there is a growth a needle biopsy may be indicated - you'll see that discussed in the bottom of the above thread.

Be positive, as you said: you have a healthy life style, are young, and have every reason and need to live - positive faith in yourself and your doctors will help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, understand your concerns. They could be ruling out the probability of cancer. The pleural thickening and pulmonary nodules could also be due to chronic infections like tuberculosis. It can also be seen in systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and scleroderma. Occupational lung disorders can also cause a similar picture. Wish you luck for your PET scan results. Regards.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Respiratory Disorders Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.