Xray question related to nodules and granuloma

[4213Magic]

Chest xray results indicate small dense nodules seen scattered throughout the chest most consistent with small granuloma.  

What does that mean exactly?  
What could be the cause?  
What are all the possible diagnosis - most likely to least likely?

Thanks.
4213Magic

[National Jewish]

A nodule is usually a small, round shadow seen on chest x-ray anywhere in the lungs.  Nodules are due to infections, inflammation, or tumors.  A granuloma is a small cluster or nodule of inflammation that can occur in any area of the body, including the lungs.  If this inflammation leaves behind a scar this is also called a granuloma.  This inflammation could be due to an infection.  Both nodules and granulomas are common in certain parts of the United States.  Fungal infections are a common cause of nodules and granulomas in the mid-west due to Histoplasmosis and in the southwest due to Coccidioidomycosis also called valley fever.

You will need to have more testing done to know the most likely to least likely possible diagnoses.  This testing might include a CT scan of your lungs and perhaps even a biopsy.  If you have had previous chest x-rays it would be helpful to locate them.  Then your doctors could compare them with your most recent chest x-ray.  The comparison could be most helpful to your doctors, in interpreting these findings and the significance of the nodules.

[gerhard]

i am not a doctor, so I"m sipmly tipping you off to some info I came up with in my reserach. Info about 'Sarcoidosis' showed xrays with what you describe. Here's more info:

http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungsarcoido.html#about

a search on the subject will bring up more info, including MD specialists in the field.

hope that helps +