No signs other than normal asthma

[Ritche]

I had a CT scan to see why my liver enymes were elevated and the CT scan report stated I had a 1.5 cm pleural based spiculated mass arising left lower lobe. There is no evidence of significant mediastinal or adenopathy.  There is a 2cm node in the left hilum. No abnormal fluid collections are present.  It appears to be a malignant mass adn with possible metastatic left hilar adenopathy.  What could this be instead of cancer?

[National Jewish]

This is a relatively small nodule.  Size alone would favor this not being cancer.  However spiculation is seen in approximately 80% of peripheral lung cancers.  Spiculation occurs on the edges of a nodule.  It refers to an irregularity of the surface.  The spicules project from the surface of the nodule like needles.  They look somewhat like the tiny thorns of a rose bush.  Such nodules may or may not be cancer.  In general nodules that are not cancer have smooth edges and nodules that are cancer have irregular edges.  However this association is not always the case.

The nodule and the enlarged hilar lymph node may or may not be related.  Review of previous x-rays that demonstrate the pre-existence of this lymph node would be helpful.

Bottom line -- if this nodule is not calcified, it must be removed.  Given its peripheral location, it would most likely be readily accessible with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

If this is not a cancer, it is most likely a granuloma, due to a prior lung infection.

[Jay000]

I had a 5mm spot on my right lung as well as a slightly swollen gland in my right arm pit, this showed up on a ct scan and I was worried sick. On the follow up ct scan 2 months later the spot dissapeared and the gland returned to normal. I hope that this information is encouraging. God Bless and remember that Jesus loves us and hears our prayers!

[Ritche]

Note I am a 43 yr old white male

[Ritche]

The Doctor has scheduled me for a PET scan later this week to help him rule in or out being malignant.

[Ritche]

Sorry, this is the first time I have every used this tool plus as you can guess a little shaken up after hearing this type of news.  I smoked when I was in the Army, but not for long...........I would call it limited exposure.