Lung nodules

[crash3391]

I recently had a chest xray that came out abnormal (small nodule) and when a CT scan w/o contrast was done a few days later it showed 3 2mm nodules in various areas of my right lung. My GP wanted to run a CT w/ contrast but the insurance company refused to authorize it. I am concerned as I was a long time daily smoker (over 20 years) and in the past 15 years I've smoked between 15-20 packs yearly. Though I am only 43 years old I am someone who gets sick quite often (bronchitis a minimum of 2x yearly) and my voice is quite hoarse lately. Should I be concerned? Is it worth my time to see a pulmonolgist? (I do have asthma but it's mild) It would really ease my mind to have the CT w/ contrast but is waiting a year safe? Any feedback would go a long way to easing my mind.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Lung nodules can occur due to local causes like recurrent lung infections and sometimes due to cancer of the lungs. They can also be seen in systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and scleroderma. Further evaluation will be based on whether the nodule is changing in size and systemic symptoms. A CT is indicated. A PET scan and biopsy may further help in evaluation.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.