5 mm nodule and "extensive bullous disease"

[smithvillecat]

Hello,
My husband returned from an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. He has had several CAT scans in the past 6 months due to a serious car accident. (They were checking for broken ribs, etc.) He was referred to the Pulmonary Doc due to the fact that his CAT scans showed a couple of nodules in his right lung (upper and mid). One is 5mm the other is unspecified as to size. The Radiologist also reported "extensive bullous disease" scattered throughout all lung fields. My husband is 50 years old and a 35 year pack a day smoker. He is going to quit after this report, but I am confused about a couple of things.
The Pulmonary Doc stated that my husband is in the early (very) stages of emphysema and that the nodule is nothing to worry about and should be checked in 6 months. In reading some other posts I am seeing different recommendations. The doctor also said that the node was too small to biopsy. Is that accurate? We just have to sit and wait and hope it isn't cancer and doesn't spread? Do you recommend any further testing or a scan done sooner than 6 months? I would appreciate any help you can give me. I would like to mention that although my husband DOES NOT take care of himself in any way, he is very strong and never gets sick. The wreck he was in involved his truck being hit behind by a driver going in excess of 100 mph which flipped my husband's truck 10 times. He had some muscle tearing and a few abrasions and that was it. Amazing. I would appreciate any advice I could receive. My husband says I am an "empathocondriac" which I find very amusing. Thanks in advance!

[smithvillecat]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. My husband is tapering off cigarettes, putting more and more time between each one. He told me he will quit, but he has to do it his way. Anyway, I still have one more question that arose from your post. Are bullous disease and emphysema the same thing? Again, thanks for taking time to respond.

[SteveEast9]

That Doctor's advice sounds good to me - the nodule needs to be monitored for any change in size, probably a maximum of 6 monthly for the next 24 months and annually thereafter. No size change means no need to worry.
HOWEVER, your Husband's single MOST IMPORTANT action NOW is to:
STOP SMOKING!!!!
Most patients with bullae have a significant cigarette smoking history. They, and his emphysema, WILL get progressively worse if he does not stop smoking NOW.
It really is that simple.