Linear scarring of the lung (anterior apex)
I am 53 years old woman and had a CT scan done last year when MD Anderson suspected gestational Trophoblastic disease (specifically choriocarcinoma). Yes, pregnant for the first time at 52 years old!
I had a hysterectomy and there was a lot of debate on what I had since no molar pregnancy was found and only a small nodule was left in my uterus. The first pathology came back with the rarest pregnancy tumor (ETT) while a secondary pathology (performed at a Trophoblastic center) said that it was most likely just an atypical implantation site pregnancy and normal miscarriage.
The Chest CT identified a 5 mm nodule
With a benign pattern. I recently had a follow up CT and the original 5mm nodule and other smaller nodules have remained stable over a 14 month period.
A new 5 mm nodule was identified in the lower base of the right lung and was described as non specific. I will continue follow up with a pulmonary specialist on this.
However what concerns me is a notation made in the findings that linear scarring was noted on the anterior right apex.
The first CT did not mention this.
The CT report's impression also did not address thie scarring, only the nodule.
I have been trying to research anterior apex linear scarring and have not come up with much information.
My next appointment with my Pulmo is in a month.
What are there potential causes? Is this permanent?
I did have another surgery five months ago (a cosmetic breast lift with removal of old silicone implants which included a capsulectomy).
The plastic surgeon said the implants were still contained with the scar tissue / capsule and he saw no leakage.
Also, I do have GERD and as a child had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
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As a side note, I have spent time traveling internationally twenty plus years ago with the worst places being Egypt and China.
I've spent about 15 weeks total in Egypt and 7 weeks in China including time in Tianjin which is highly industrial with a horrific pollution level.
Trips to Egypt always include very bad respiratory infections including one time where I breathed in some dust that was swept onto me from an archway. I started getting sick within hours and it was the most ill that I have ever been - chills, fever and a horrific horrid respiratory infection like I've never experienced before or since
@amh9999, welcome to Connect, an online community where people can talk with other patients, ask questions and share experiences. While your situation is very specific, I hope someone will chime in.
Your questions are great questions for your pulmonologist next month. According to this article http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/lung/lungscar.cfm scarring is permanent and the lung can withstand small scars without ill effects. Like you, I would want to know the cause of the scarring and if it may be a sign of some other lung condition developing.