small faint nodular densities in the lungs

[Lori2414]

My husband has an annual chest x-ray done in the spring of every year. In July of this year the radiology report read. There are small faint nodular densities in the left mid lung parenchyma laterally.  They range between 4 to 2 mm.  Comparison was made to prior chest studdies of 3/05 and 4/07 and the were not as evident previously.  The rest of the lung fields were clear.  There is some defree of hyperaertion or emphysema.  The cariac sihouette was normal.  Vascularity was not increased.  Moderate degenerative changes were seen of the doral spine.

Can you please explain to me what all of this means.  His Dr. said that the ct came back ok and that there is nothing to worry about and that we worry to much.  His father had small nodular densities and 6 mts. later he died.  My husband does have to have a follow up ct in 6-8 mts. But this is all that we were told.  Hope you can help!  

Thank You,
Lori

[National Jewish Health]

You state that “Comparison was made to prior chest studdies of 3/05 and 4/07 and the were not as evident previously.  What does that mean?  Were the lesions present or not.  By conventional standards the recently demonstrated nodules are still quite small.  If the nodules were present, they may not have been as evident because of a different x-ray technique.  But if present almost 4 years ago and now only 2 to 4 mm, they would be very unlikely to be anything other than benign.

You and your husband should make an appointment to request a more detailed explanation from his doctor of why “there is nothing to worry about.”  What exactly does that mean?  And, if he/she cannot provide a satisfactory answer, you should request consultation with a lung specialist, also known as a pulmonologist.  His doctor’s saying that, “we worry to much” is not a satisfactory response and you should feel free to say that.

In all likelihood, you and your husband have nothing to worry about, but you are entitled to an explanation that conveys the thought process behind his reassurance.

Good luck.

[usnvet]

laurie,i had that 6 years ago with a positive pet scan and after 2 biopsys,they were benign.one in each lung.pet scan s can have false positives.after all,i am still here.they will repeat cat every few months to make sure it is not growing even after biopsy.i had to follow up for 3 years.dont panic like i did,it was all for nothing.good luck.remember, the gold standard for lung malignancies is biopsy
keith

[JulesC927]

Hi Lori, I don't know what all that means but about a year ago, I had a ct scan that said I had severe emphysema and there was a nodule. I was told to have a PET scan. This scan is done with radiation. They inject radiation into your veins with an IV and then do the scan. It takes about an hour. Also, the scan is very expensive. My insurance covered almost half of it.

If the nodule was a tumor, it would show up in the scan. Any cancer would show up in the scan. Since it didn't, I was told it is probably just scarring, most likely from coughing.

If I were you, I would get a second opinion and possibly get another type of test done. Good Luck.

Julie