Lung Nodules?

[nicol612]

I had 10 noncalcified pulmonary nodules from 3-7mm show on a CT scan for something unrelated in Nov 08 when these were found. Since, CT scans revealed 2 more nodules in June 09 and now a whopping 15 nodules 3-7mm in size on my recent scan a week ago. Anyone have a take on what could be causing these? I am 32, non-smoker as of 6-09 and smoked for 23 yrs, since I was 9. the 3 newest nodules have come after I quit smoking. Drs tell me not to worry, yet cannot tell me the cause of these nodules or even what they are......Any suggestions? Im going crazy wondering.....

Thanks in advance!

[nicol612]

AB,
Please, vent away! I found out about my nodules back in June and still not a second passes without the fear worry and confusion. My next scan is in Feb (last one in Sept) and mine have to grow 3mm before they will PET or biopsy. So, if anyone understands the need to vent-its me. If it will help you, click on my homepage here and read some of my public journal....I think it may help you to read mine and start one of ur own as well...urs doesnt have to public, u pick the settings but I definately feel its been an asset to my own sanity. ;)

Please keep me updated on ur progress and findings as will I as well and dont hesitate to ask questions or share ur venting/anger/sadness/etc here.....I check my posts daily hoping someone w a similar situation can shed some light on my own situation but I hardly got any responses and most werent quite what I was looking for anyway until urs....Finally someone else who realizes we have the right to be fearful and feel overwhelmed as many do not feel this way and think Im overreacting w my emotions. Well, put them in our shoes and see  how they would feel, right?

:) I hope with all my heart the findings are harmless but regardless of what happens, ur feelings fears and emotions are not only justified, but normal allowed and acceptable. Dont  let anyone tell u otherwise.....

I hope u keep in touch...

[kwazynana]

Glad I'm not the only one that has anxiety about this.  My appt with a pulmonologist is Wed the 27th.  I was diagnosed with a 16mm non calcified nodule which was found in a CT Scan.  After reading up on this, I am assuming I will need a PET?  But my question to you, is do you have any pain?  Because as I starting to recall, I have had a dull ache for such a long time that I just took for granted thinking it was soreness, and just aches and pains...(I'm 56) I'm of average fit. I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis years ago, smoked socially back in the 80's only with drinks and I was a mild drinker. But I am feeling that dull ache stronger and constant.  Any clues?.. just wondering...since I'm fighting anxiety attacks until I see the specialist....  Thanks for hearing me out!!!

[julieben]

Well your 16 mm nodule is probably nothing but old scar tissue - but I agree with you the anxiety awaiting for the results is just terrible!!!  Most of these nodules are NOT cancerous........ but just the thought about the test is enough to cause a panic attack!  Don't understand what type of pain your having - be a bit more specific.  Where is your dull pain?  Yes - technically - you can have a PET scan when your nodule is 16 mm - any nodule over 9 mm is a candidate for a PET scan and the PET scan is probably the best test to tell your that your OK - but take a deep breath and don't worry - especially since your are now a non- smoker. Ask them for the results ASAP.... so you don't keep worrying! And please let me know what the pulmonologist tells you on Wednesday.  Hope all turns out great for you.  Keep me updated. Julie In So Calif. :)

[nicol612]

Hi! Im actually awaiting my results of my scan from Fri. I will know of any progress/regression tom by lunch. That 16mm nodule is def something to be concerned with. I have no pain, but being on high dose pain meds since 2004, I may not really know if I do have pain since my rib/chest area always hurts from my nonunion ribs/transverse process that never/wont heal from my wreck back in 2004. Please keep me updated on ur results. I would def ask for the pet scan and possible biopsy. From what my DRs tell me, old scars calcify , hence the concern for NONcalcified nodules. Most calcified nodules are harmless, very few are cancerous but NONcalcified are to be concerned with. Also, having one nodule instead of many also raises some concern. Ill report back tom, and hope you fill me in w ur progress too......A good support system from those in similar situation sure goes a long way when everyone else tells you "not to worry"....they dont understand bc its not them. I DO understand, and we have every  right to be worried. I wish you ALL the luck in this world and will def say a prayer for you!!!! I was never a pray-er until i got my nodules...I mean I was, but not REALLY, lol....I guess its worth a shot, eh? ;) seriously tho....you will be in my thoughts and hope you keep in touch often! :)

[JM517]

I appreciate finding this thread.  My fiance was in the ER a few weeks ago with kidney stones and when they did a CT also found some nodules on his lungs which at the time the ER doc said were inflammatory in nature.  A week and a half later he was back in the ER due to problems with the kidney stent they put in after the stones were removed and another CT was done and the nodules were obviously still present, this time the ER dr said they were not inflammatory in nature.  Needless to say we are pretty freaked out.  He is 32 years old and has never smoked, he has ulcerative colitis and aside from his recent kidney stones has not had any other issues.  He has an appointment with a pulmonologist this coming Thursday and we have no idea what to expect.  The ER was very vague in terms of how many nodules there are and what sizes they are so we are hoping to get some answers on Thursday.  I will be keeping my fingers crossed for him as well as all of you.  Its a very scary thing to go through and its sometimes comforting to know you're not alone.

[VivianG]

Wow, I can't believe there are so many of us just hanging out in limbo, waiting and waiting for answers! I had a scan in October 2009, they found 2 non-calcified nodules, was re-checked in early Feb, now there are 8, but the original two have not changed. Went to a pulmonologist last week, told me that even a .08mm could be bipsied, but he also told me that there was a 50% chance of lung collapse with those biopsies. So I will have another ct scan the end of April, get the results early May, and that seems like an eternity to wait that long. Some of you have mentioned 6mm 12mm nodules, but I am still trying to figure out how big a mm is? He also told me that they would show up on a PET scan even if they are not that big. I have like .06mm, .08mm, .05mm so can anyone tell me how that works? if the .08mm get's to be .10mm is that just still like a tenth of a 1mm???? Will check back regualarly to see how everyone is doing. V