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?

[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

[franci]

Yesterday our doctor cancelled our appointment today.  The biopsies showed emphasema, pulmanary fibrosis and something else unknown to her.  She is forwarding the biopsies to the Mayo Clinic for more help.  She has him on 60 mg of prednisone daily.  We have a new appointment in three weeks.  Is this junk really terminal?  I am not finding anything with a positive outcome.  He is not done with his fishing days!

[rick c]

I was diagnosed with a solitary lower left lung nodule in 3/06 .followed up by negative pet,subsequent ct showed no change,then 11/1 a new finding of right lung nodule new pet- slight uptake.follow up cat of abdomen and pelvis revealed everything clear but slight node enlargemet around heart.Nodules in lung are 1.5 cm ,dianosis bilateral lung nodules and gland involvement indeterminate,,follow up with ct scan in 3 months,My question is should I insist on biopsy,my dermatolgist says I am nuts if I do not demand a biopsy,I  am 53 and heavy smoker .severe weight loss(56 pounds in 10 months)father died from small cell lung cancer,please help

[franci]

My husband had breathing difficulties for almost 6 months.  When he finally went to the docs, xray showed nothing, but the cat showed several irregular inflamed nodes.  She did 8 biopsies.  Results are not in till Wednesday maybe....but she says she is 99.9% certain nothing with the big C.  I hope she is right.  She felt maybe hypersensitivity to a pet, but told us to get rid of nothing till the results come in.  Do size and shape really matter in this one?  We were so scard all week long, but greatly releaved that she did not think the big c was the issue.