PERSPECTIVE from real people/

[lesa4]

Hello,

Has anyone read research that has been done that supports the notion that nodules found on the lower lobes and along or attached to the fissures are likely benign?  I am a healthy 44 non smokin' female.  128lbs.  I am beside myself after a ct scan for stomach issues (all scans upper and lower were fine) - revealed a 3x55 non calcified nodule along the lower right fissure (sticky lining).  I went right fr. my Dr. (after she said "these nodules are terribly common" according to the recommendations by radiologists - we'll scan in 12 months) to a pulmonologist.  A friend who lives out of state is a pulmo, and mentioned he wasn't concerned due to its location and size but to also see a pulmo.  He also recommended 3 mo.  I live in the midwest and when I went to see pulmo in our area (he was wonderful answering all my questions), he said the liklihood of this being sinister is close to zero and that in this part of the country we see a lot of histoplasmosis / granulomas.  I asked if I could have it removed - he said risk to high compared to how it looks at this point.  Surgeon looked at scan and could barely locate it. Anyone ever have something removed this early or biopsied?  Though smoking and size of nodule are big predictors, I've been reading women and non smokers have been afflicted.  And LC has even surpassed the number of women afflicted with breast cancer, we just don't hear about it.  I just want to move on with my life.  I have young kids and the though of this is making me nuts.  I understand and have been told Dr. see this daily almost and its common.  Part of me knows people walking around have them and don't know.  Now I have the luck and the curse of knowing its there.  Any feedback or help appreciated.  

[lesa4]

Thanks Mel,

Amazing they found yours during an abdominal scan. That was lucky as well.  Sounds like yours is small too.  I didn't know pnuemonia could cause scars.  I had it when I was 12.  Yes, like valley fever in the SW that can cause nodules for those residents - apparently in midwest we have the histoplasmosis.  IF you lived here all your life, that can be a factor.  Great you quit smoking!  I really hope for both of us that the next scan is unchanged.
I am sorry about your mom.  

Good luck to you as well!

[Mel5056]

Hi Lisa,

I had an abdominal scan July 1 and they found a 4mm nodule in lower right lung as well.  My doc said the same thing...these are sooooo common and try not to stress.  She ordered a full chest scan and then i was scared.  I smoked for about 12-15 years but quit 13 years ago.  My mother died in 2013 at age 61 from LC and it scares the crap out of me.  I had mycoplasma (a form of pnuemonia) last October and am praying that is what all of this is from.  My chest results came back in today and my lungs were good...nothing noted/found except that 4mm nodule (which is really really small).  I am also from the midwest and have never heard of histoplamosis but you bet I will look into this.   My kids are also younger (8/9) so i do understand your concerns.    I will pray for you and for a sense of peace and comfort about this nodule.  The good thing is if it EVER is something you now have a baseline and will catch it early enough for treatment (My mother was too late).  
Good luck and many prayers!  Mel

[lesa4]

correction