12 mm Spiculated Nodule upper right lobe

I had a similar situation in November 2021. I had an abnormal chest x-ray followed by a CT scan that indicated ground glass part solid nodule in the right upper lobe which was "concerning for scarring, cancer or both". I did a PET scan one week later which indicated two nodules (different lungs) with significant uptick . The PET scan also indicated that there was no evidence of any other cancer in my body so no metastasis. CT scan and PET scan provide different information.
My local Pulmonologist wanted to do a needle biopsy, but their radiologist said he was not comfortable doing it-too risky. I sent my scans to Mayo and was called by the Mayo Pulmonologist. Mayo knew what I had and proposed VAT surgery. The Mayo surgeon said 80% chance it was cancer. Mayo was implementing a program to do bronchoscopy biopsy and surgical removal in one sitting. I did that and in fact it was cancer (stage 1b). I had a wedge resection of right upper lobe. They told me one night in the hospital so I figured it could not be too bad. I stayed two nights - I was 80 and weak from lack of food. Otherwise, it was easy surgery, and I was driving my car one week later. I stopped all pain medication within four days of surgery.

“Spiculated” is the key. Do the PET scan with the red dye stuff. That will tell if the spot is taking up glucose. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for sharing. It makes me feel more at ease. My PET is next week. 57 years old.

I forgot to add that the other nodule that lighted up on PET scan was in the left upper load and I had it removed in May 2023 with VAT surgery wedge resection - 16 months later. No biopsy necessary and it was cancer. I have multifocal lung cancer with other nodules that they watch.

I had a similar situation in November 2021. I had an abnormal chest x-ray followed by a CT scan that indicated ground glass part solid nodule in the right upper lobe which was "concerning for scarring, cancer or both". I did a PET scan one week later which indicated two nodules (different lungs) with significant uptick . The PET scan also indicated that there was no evidence of any other cancer in my body so no metastasis. CT scan and PET scan provide different information.
My local Pulmonologist wanted to do a needle biopsy, but their radiologist said he was not comfortable doing it-too risky. I sent my scans to Mayo and was called by the Mayo Pulmonologist. Mayo knew what I had and proposed VAT surgery. The Mayo surgeon said 80% chance it was cancer. Mayo was implementing a program to do bronchoscopy biopsy and surgical removal in one sitting. I did that and in fact it was cancer (stage 1b). I had a wedge resection of right upper lobe. They told me one night in the hospital so I figured it could not be too bad. I stayed two nights - I was 80 and weak from lack of food. Otherwise, it was easy surgery, and I was driving my car one week later. I stopped all pain medication within four days of surgery.