Calcified Granuloma in chest x-ray, could it be lung cancer? (very worried)

[madelineJN]

I recently went to the doctor for some breathing problems (shortness of breath) and chest tightness. I do suffer from chronic anxiety, but I thought I should get it checked out anyway. They did an EKG (normal) and a chest x-ray. Well, the doctor called me back and said the x-ray was "normal," but that I had a calcified granuloma and that I should get another chest x-ray in 3 months as a "precaution."

She assured me that it wasn't cancer and that it won't turn into cancer, and that I have nothing to worry about ... but of  course I'm VERY scared... I'm wondering if it could be a very small cancerous mass the radiologist and my doctor misread and in 3 months time it could be too late?

Please, I need some insight into what this is... should I be concerned? Is it safe to wait 3 months? I'm really worried it's actually lung cancer! :(

Also, I'm 26, non-smoker (smoked some marijuana in college though), and I had some blood work done a few months ago, and the doctor said it was "excellent."

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Calcification usually occurs in old lesions, so the granuloma is unlikely to be due to malignancy. It could be due to tuberculosis or sarcoidosis and due to occupational lung diseases like silicosis, asbestosis etc. Further evaluation will be based on whether the nodule is changing in size and systemic symptoms. So, don't worry and follow up with your doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[margypops]

Do not be scared the doctor is correct..many people have granuloma's. As you are concerned do some research online and you will get info about them ..good luck