lung nodule

[kathy733]

I am a 40 year old non smoker. A chest xray revealed a small nodule at the base of my left lung and today after a CT scan the doctor says it is calcified and not to worry; however, they did find another small nodule on the right side that is not calcified.  She said to wait 12 months to repeat the scan and I felt worried in waiting that long so we decided to do the repeat in 9 months.  My father, a very heavy smoker died at 42 of lung cancer .  Do you think that this along with being exposed to second hand smoke my whole life warrants doing another scan sooner than 9 months?  Trying to not worry about it will be difficult.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You are most welcome. Best wishes & Goodluck.

[kathy733]

I appreciate your input.  It puts it into perspective more and I thank you.  

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You dont have to worry. The lesion is most probably benign and you could repeat a scan in the next 9 - 12 months. Exposure to second hand smoke is bad for the lungs but that only puts you at increased risk of bronchitis and the chances of having a lung cancer are almost similar as to that of the general population. A small nodule with no associated lymph node or fibrosis or associated parenchymal lesion usually just needs a regular follow up. You could discuss the role of a PET scan in your specific case with your physician and whther it would help. Goodluck.