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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
pulmonary nodule in left lower lobe
Answered by
CO
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pulmonary nodule in left lower lobe
by mammamia912, Oct 09, 2008 12:59PM
I went to have a ct scan done and they found a 5mm pulmonary nodule in my left lower lung. Does this mean cancer? I am so scared i need some answers and advice.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Oct 13, 2008 05:34PM
, Oct 13, 2008 05:34PM
A 5 mm nodule is considered quite small. The odds are high, and in your favor, that a nodule this small, especially one with a smooth, round border, is a benign lesion. That would be especially true if you are a non-smoker. Depending on smoking history, geographic location for example mid-west or southwest, your age, the radiologic density of the nodule and the presence or absence of this nodule on previous x-rays, your doctor, especially if he/she is a lung specialist, working with a chest radiologist, should be able to provide informed speculation on the nature of this lesion. It is very important that they review all previous chest x-rays and, if any, previous CT scans.
A nodule this size does not lend itself well to a number of diagnostic techniques, including thin needle biopsy/aspiration. Skin tests and serological testing are non-diagnostic and, hence, useless. Unless there is one or more specific features of this nodule to suggest cancer, your doctors will probably recommend a period of waiting, with a repeat CT scan in 3 to 6 months.
You may wish to discuss the above with your doctors.
Good luck.
A nodule this size does not lend itself well to a number of diagnostic techniques, including thin needle biopsy/aspiration. Skin tests and serological testing are non-diagnostic and, hence, useless. Unless there is one or more specific features of this nodule to suggest cancer, your doctors will probably recommend a period of waiting, with a repeat CT scan in 3 to 6 months.
You may wish to discuss the above with your doctors.
Good luck.
Member Comments (2)
by mammamia912, Oct 14, 2008 05:39AM
To: National Jewish Health
Well I did smoke for about 4years then I quit and I have been smoke free for 9 years.When I was around 13 I had pneumonia could that maybe caused scar tissue on my lung?
by judy829, Aug 21, 2009 01:10PM
A related discussion, due lung nodules pulmonary cause pain was started.
