small lung nodules

[pvk]

I had a chest CT as part of a general workup and it revealed two lung nodules, 3 mm and 4 mm.  Dr. says not to worry, they're so small that it's very unlikely that they're cancer and we'll rescan in 6 months just to make sure.  However, I have researched this on the net and I keep reading that 40% of nodules are malignant.  I am 47 years old and do have a smoking history (15-20 pack years).  Anyone have any opinions/experience on this issue?

[baileykelsey]

I hope someone has some information--My father died in 1987 of lung cancer, my brother who is 42 was just diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer.  I went to my dr got a chest xray and all was clear--went and got a CT scan done and shows two small nodules less than 1 cm on each lung upper lobes.  Yes, I have smoked but quit 6 weeks ago.  I am 37 years old.  Two radiologists have looked at the results but they don't think it's anything to get excited about and come back in three months and recheck.  Needless to say I am terrified.

[Finding help]

To Rick.... As I was reading these comments today to find out some info. for my mom I read your question. I am sorry that no one has addressed your question , so I will I do not have any experience in these nodules but, according to what everyone is saying if you have lost a lot of weight, are a heavy smoked and have a history of cancer in your family you are a prime target. I would seek prof. help fast. Good Luck and God Bless!

[cat71]

Hi all...I am a nervous,had an incidental finding of a nodule in my right lower lobe...also a finding that shows some emphasymic changes going on in my lungs. I am 36 years old and have never smoked plus am very physically active. I don't even have asthma. The Dr. ran a blood test to test for valley fever, spores but it came back negative.
My father died of Lung Cancer 2 years ago. He was a smoker. I am getting some more CT's done. The Dr. told me that there is a genetic disease where a person can have a deficency and be suseptable to lung diseases. Has anyone ever heard of this. Thanks.

[reenee]

My husband had hodgkin disease in nov. 1986, for which he received high doses of radiation as treatment. He is a vet and was exposed to agent orange. For the last three years he has experienced shortness of breath, fatique and many other symptons.
long story short, he had two stints placed in his lad in march of 2006. His shortness of breath did not improve, however he has passed the pulmonary functions test(sitting down blowing in a machine) In february the doctors noticed several nodules in his lungs. Follow up ct scans were ordered with the last in November.
The nodules increased in size but in November his doctor blew it off stating that a lot of people have nodules that they don't even know about. Thus no more follow up has been scheduled. I feel helpless knowing his history of cancer, the high doses of radiation and the exposure to agent orange. any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Did I mention that his doctors were through the Veterans Administration!!!!

[charmingnl]

I had pulmonary emboli possibly from hormone replacement when the upped the dose occ.  The CT of chest showed 1 hilar lung nodule at time of diagnosis.  6 monthes later, I had 2 hilar lung node both less than 1 cm.  I have been working with my primary doctor to do cancer screening in all areas that can possibly seed mets to lungs.  In April, I will have a repeat CT of chest with follow up appt.  I was told if I have any additional nodules or they grew that I would be getting a biopsy.  They would have done the biopsy at 6 monthes if I had the following risk factors: hx of heavy smoking, wt loss and family hx.  I would encourage you to advocate for yourself, talk with your primary MD and insist of a screening, biopsy etc.  If it happens to be cancer, the earlier the stage the better the long term prognosis.  All of you are in my prayers.

[rick c]

does anyone answer this site