Is a Spiculated lung nodule always malignant?

It was also semi solid and by three years of ct scans it became solid.. I was then given a pet scan and it was definitely confirmed that it was cancer. I remember that a small nodule showed up beside the original nodule and they later determined that it was a different cancer, this scared me a lot because I had no idea you could have two different cancers in one place.

@linpvc, That sounds like a difficult location, and the care that they are taking with your situation is certainly warranted. I can understand why the traditional biopsy that a pulmonologist would perform is too risky.
I hadn't heard of the Nodify XL2 test. I'll be interested to hear what your doctor thinks about it. There are tests that measure the CTDNA (circulating tumor DNA) in your blood stream. General biomarker testing can be done in this way, through a 'liquid biopsy' using blood instead of tissue. Those tests only work if the nodule/tumor are shedding enough cells for the test to pick up on it. Even though these tests can save lives, some insurance companies push back on paying for these types of tests, and they can cost thousands of dollars, so check on that too.
How do you feel about waiting 6 months for your next scan?

I've requested this test from Biodesix. it only tests for probability that a lung nodule is malignant or not. ill be scheduled for a blood draw at my home since no facilities close that are qualified.
Results are very accurate and help decide whether I need care very soon or if i can safely continue with scans. Reduces possibility of having a dangerous and unnecessary biopsy.
QUESTION: Does anyone know if auto antibodies are present after cancer for a lifetime or not?

I had a low dose lung cancer test and it came back that I have A spiculated right upper lobe pulmonary nodule measures 5.4 x 6.6 mm, with average diameter of 6.0 mm (3/59). That they are saying is highly suspicious for cancer. I have an appointment with the lung doctor in just a few days. Of course I would prefer to have it removed asap. I do not like the sound of lets see if it grows or lets wait for this or that. Time is important for survival. My biggest questions is will they remove right now or does it need to be bigger as with time it can spread. Scary. How big does it have to be to do a biopsy ? What kind of Biopsy do they do? Needle or down your throat/nose? Any information would be helpful. Do they have to do the biopsy before removing? I do have serve copd so does this change how my case will be handled?
I did stop smoking 7 years ago.

Hi @linpvc, I'm not sure if antibodies stay in your system. That's an interesting question, and it may depend on the type of lung cancer and the individual's immune system. Did the company or your doctor provide an answer? I took a quick look at Biodesix's web site. I'm not sure if they are measuring antibodies or circulating tumor DNA (CTDNA, which are cells that are shed by the original tumor). That may be a good question to ask too.

Welcome to Mayo Connect @overthehillsb, I'm sorry to hear that you are facing this finding, and congrats of quitting smoking! IF it is cancer, it is still early, screening is working!, and it sounds like you have the appropriate appointment scheduled soon with a pulmonologist. That's good! Try to take a pause, and not get ahead of yourself. We don't know that it's cancer. There are many people with non-cancerous lung nodules. I have stage IV lung cancer, but also have a 1 cm lung nodule from a fungus. It happens.
While our first instinct is to run to surgery to get it out, that's not always the best approach. Surgery comes with pain, sometimes lifelong nerve pain. I hear of many doctors that want to wait until the nodule is 1 cm before doing a biopsy. That's not unusual. If they insist that you wait, they'll likely do another scan in 3 months.
Biopsies are highly dependent on the location of the nodule, and the overall health of the patient. Over the past four years, I've had a handful of bronchoscopies (down the throat), that I tolerated with minimal side effects.
They may also want to do a PET scan. The nodule may light up more on the PET scan if it is cancer versus some other inflammation or infection. That's not always true of very small nodules either.
You haven't been sick recently, no covid or other lung infections?

hi, Ihad the test last Friday. the test will identify antibodies that the body makes in response to lung cancer whether in situ or not. Still waiting for results. The primary nodule is on surface of heart pericardium so Im told a biopsy is not possible or extremely dangerous to biopsy. This test by Biodesix is also termed a " wet biopsy" highly accurate, it's a simple blood draw. I find it a miracle test.

Thank you for replying. I had a lung infection about 2 to 3 months prior to my low dose lung cancer cat scan.