Should "Granuloma" be rechecked

[mompat]

Should Granuloma be rechecked
by mompat


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mompat
Female
CA
Member since May 2009  



, 6 minutes ago
Hi,  I'm  a 50 year old female.  I have been a smoker for 22 years 1pack or less per day. Recently quit.  My main question is.  3 years ago I had a ct scan of my neck.  Incedental finding of "granuloma" left lung apex.  My doctor was unconcerned I asked her to please do a complete chest ct.  I had the Ct chest done  with and without contrast. The finding were:  small granuloma left apex otherwise unremarkable.  My doctor dismissed it with nothing more needed.  I now am concerned because my sister age 67 (x smoker for 20 years) has stage 4 lung cancer.  Doing research for her I have found that many sites I have visited sugguest that I should have follow-up imaging to make sure that the "granuloma" dosent change over time.  Should I be concerned?  Should I have another ct to make sure it hasn't changed?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
A “granuloma” is not a cancerous lesion. It probably represents an infection you might have had in the past. There is no evidence to suggest that it becomes cancerous over time. However, you may see your doctor for a general health check up and to address your concerns. Smoking increases the risk of developing many cancers including lung cancer. The risk increases with increasing pack-years of consumption. After quitting, the risk decreases gradually over many years. It is good to know that you have quit smoking. You need to keep up that resolve.
All the best, and God Bless!

[mompat]

Thank You so much for responding.  I really do appreciate your time.  I feel much better after reading your response.  God Bless you for caring and giving!