MRI Revealed Spot on Lung, Referred for CT Scan

[jg2001]

I went for an MRI of my back last week and the results came back that my back has a few problems.  However, my doctor told me that they also found a spot about 6mm at the top of my lung and wants me to go in for a CT scan.  I'm not too familar with either procedure and wanted to know what would be the purpose of the CT scan if the MRI dected the spot.  Wouldn't they have enough information from the MRI to distinguish what the "spot" was?  Or was it because the original MRI was taken for my back and they didn't get a clear enough picture of the spot?  I'm really trying not to worry too much about it at all...HOWEVER, I had chest x-rays less than a year ago and no "spot" was detected at that time.  I'm pretty much kinda venting here because I'm confused.  I would have thought that the MRI would have been enough to determine that the "spot" was not really anything to worry about.  Do you have any input?  Thanks in advance!

[charlie853]

A related discussion, nodule on lung was started.

[Numpy]

A related discussion, Spot on Lung was started.

[slipknot417]

I also had a ct of my stomach and was surprised to hear that they found a spot on my lung... I am 27 years old, and I smoke.  They re did the test and found another small nodule on my other lung.. For some reason they can not determine what the hell it is... They can not say weather or not it is cancerous... I was also told to return in 6 months for another cat scan.. this will happen in Oct.. What the dr's dont realize is that It never leaves your mind.. I have thought about it and feared the next CT this whole time.  i pray nothing serious is happening with my lungs..  I understand how you feel in reguards to this..

[Jen23]

I just recently turned 23 and about 6 months ago I had a CT scan of my stomach. In the scan they found a spot in my right lung. They told me I needed another one and they eventually found 2 small spots, no doctor will explain to me what this means all they say is every 6 months I need to have a CT scan, I just wish someone would explain to me what this means for me. I feel I am too young to have lung cancer but am I wrong?

[hm05]

If you don't quit smoking, you will tempt fate and will eventually get worse.  Try to stop asap, because I am watching my Mother die of lung cancer, and I can tell you, it ain't pretty.  Just because you are 42 doesn't mean you are out of the woods, take this as a sign from the Gods, you can not fool cancer.  A nodule today, could turn into a tumor tomorrow.  I also smoked, and know it is super addictive. But just realize, You are too smart to intentionally kill yourself.

[jg2001]

I was diagnosed when I was 34 with emphysema (I'm sure it had something to do with smoking at such a young age).  At the time of diagnosis, it was determined that I had a little over 50% decreased capacity.  I haven't had a PFT for about 2 years, but the last test was also in the 50% range.  I still smoke myself (I am also a recovering addict and smoking is, by far, the HARDEST to quit).  I can't say how quickly emphysema advances in others.  I really don't know that much about it, except that I have it and I'm not sure if the limitations or exclusion of activities that I was able to do last summer is because of the advancing of this disease, aging or the combination of both.

Strange that you should mention your friend not catching colds.  This last winter is the first that I can think of in a very long time that I didn't catch a cold or flu.  I passed up my flu shot also to give to somebody more needy than I because I actually feel pretty healthy.

THe doctor who diagnosed me told me that if I didn't stop smoking, I wouldn't make it ten years (I'm sure it was a scare tactic).  I no longer have that doctor and am rapidly coming up on the ten years and am nowhere near ceding to this disease.

My best to you and your friend,
Jamie

[star_light294]

DEAR  JAMIE.
do you know and can you inform me as to how quickly emphysemia can worsen
my friend has emphesemia that was diagnosed on a simple xray and yet her spirometor readings normal and she has 93% lung capacity, she has cut her smoking back from 40 a day down to 12 to 14, she never seems to catch the flu and if anythin g her lungs and throat seem dry,would appreciate any advice
hugs star

[jg2001]

Thank you very much for your response.  I'm a 42 year old female.  I started smoking when I was 8 years old (yes, I know, that sounds rediculous).  I have emphysema (over 50% decreased capacity) and asthma and a couple other things.  So, hopefully, it is a nodule!

Thanks again for your response.

Jamie

[National Jewish]

MRI and CT scanning are two different ways of imaging the body.  In many cases, one may be superior to the other, depending upon the disease in question and its anatomical location.  In most instances, CT is used to evaluate spots on the lung.  6mm is a small nodule and the majority of nodules this size are not cancer.  The degree of suspicion of such a nodule is dependent upon your age, your cigarette smoking history and where you live.  Nodules, due to fungal infection are common in some parts of the U.S., for example in the mid-west and the southwest.