polyps

yesterday a dr told me i had polyps on my lungs, he told me we should check them again in 3 to 6 months. haveing both my parents die from cancer ,im worried, should i push for a biopsy now?

[National Jewish Health]

I am not familiar with the use of the term “polyps” to describe chest x-ray abnormalities.  However, that is beside the point.  To the point, is the fact that you allegedly have one or more abnormal shadows on your x-ray and the question is what to do about them.

Without further information about these “polyps”, the answer must be somewhat general.  A more specific response would be dependent upon such factors such as your age, smoking history, geographical location, the presence or absence of these shadows on previous x-rays, and the size, shape, surface characteristics (smooth vs. irregular), location in the lungs, and x-ray density.  Your general health and a number of other factors must also be taken into consideration.

Given that making a decision about biopsy or any other test or procedure is complex and serious, the best advice I can give is that you request consultation, ideally on the advice of your primary physician, with a lung specialist, also known as a pulmonologist, the type of physician best qualified to assess all available information and make informed recommendations.  Even if your insurance doesn’t cover part or even all of the consultation fee, you should proceed with the consultation because there is too much at stake and you want to make the right choices.

Good luck.