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Lung nodules: Can they ever be non-cancerous?
Lung Health | Last Active: Jul 23 3:06pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
I originally posted in lung health, and now realize I should have posted on this board.
I had RSV pneumonia in Nov. Recovered well. On Tuesday I went to ER for an ear infection. They did a chest x-ray then decided to do a CT scan. The results have me terrified. I have no SOB, no symptoms what-so-ever. The CT scan says suggestive of multifocal pneumonia, cannot rule out malignancy. What scares me is the irregulary-shaped nodules. Can they ever be non-cancerous? I have an appt with a pulminary dr. on March 6th, but in the meantime, I am driving myself crazy.
There are multiple bilateral irregularly-shaped lung nodules. Several lung nodules demonstrate central cavitary changes. Example nodule within the medial superior segment of the right lower lobe measures 3.1 x 2.6 cm with central cavitation. Additional 4 x 2.6 cm irregularly-shaped nodule is present within the anterior left upper lobe. This lesion is without cavitary changes. No pleural effusions. No pneumothorax. Heart size is normal. No pericardial effusion. There are shotty mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymph nodes, likely reactive. Liver density is decreased. There are bilateral simple appearing renal cysts.
Any input - good or bad - would be appreciated.
Replies to "I originally posted in lung health, and now realize I should have posted on this board...."
Supporting everything lLisa says. I stand by the info I put on your other post. I'm 13.5+ years with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma.
IF, (and I emphasize that IF), this does prove to be cancer, it's not the automatic death sentence it once was. There have been some amazing advances in treatment in the last 6 years and treatment is not as harsh or debilitating as it was in 2010 when I was treated.
Hi @missholly, I merged your 2 discussions into one and expanded the title of your question. It is so frightening to hear the words "lung nodules". Like others have said, they are very common and most lung nodules aren't cancerous. See this article from Mayo experts:
- Lung nodules: Can they be cancerous? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/expert-answers/lung-nodules/faq-20058445
Of course, you're worried. I would be too. But the good news is that they were found and are being investigated. Your team cares. I look forward to getting your update after the upcoming appointment.
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@missholly, Hello! I did see your post to the Lung Health group and saw the encouraging responses that you received there too. I think the lung health group is a great place for Connect members like you that haven't actually been diagnosed with cancer yet. When members first post to the Lung Cancer group, they only hear stories from people whose nodules did turn out to be cancerous. Most lung nodules are not cancer, especially when they are seen after an infection. Meeting with a pulmonologist (on August 6th (not March)) is a smart next step, as they can provide an expert opinion based on what they see on the scans. Don't be surprised if they want to give it some time and rescan in a few months. That is not uncommon at all.
I have stage IV lung cancer, but last year I developed a non-cancerous nodule that turned out to be fungal. So, even cancer patients can have non-cancerous nodules, who knew? 🙂 Our lungs are amazing organs that work to keep us healthy. Sometimes they envelope fungus or bacteria in mucus or tissue when they are trying to protect us. Our bodies are amazing!