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Ground Glass Nodule
My husband received the interpretation of a CT scan. It said there's a 7mm benign ground glass nodule in his right middle lobe. Being that the word "benign" is used, my first thought is that it's not cancer. Then I read other information about ground glass nodules and how it can be (and often is) a precursor to lung cancer....usually adenocarcinoma. He has an appointment with the pulmonary doctor, but until then, what can anyone tell me about this. Is it really benign now but can turn into a malignancy? Is there anything to do now, or just have another scan in 6 months? Could a biopsy be needed now?
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@judyaw These findings always sound scary to the patient and their family, but are merely one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. The fact that the radiologist deemed it benign is very encouraging.
Here are a few things o think about - has he had a recent lung infection? These nodules may show up after an infection, and ither stay the same or diminish over time.
Was this an incidental finding on a CT for other diagnosis, or is the pulmonologist looking for something?
Finally, when is the appointment? A wait of a few weeks may be anxiety-producing, but if there is a strong suspicion of cancer, they woukd be seeing sooner.
Try to take a deep breath, and wait to hear what the doctor will say, worrying won' do you or your husband good.
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2 ReactionsOnly about 15-18% GGNs turn solid and become malignancies. I have GGNs that were diagnosed in 2010 that are unchanged 14 years later.
Do stay on top of the regular screening CTs. I'm glad you're not ignoring them.
GGOs are semisolid and cannot be biopsied by needle. If there is something about their appearance that indicates to the doctors it's a possible malignancy they will offer to to a wedge resection.
If it was to turn completely solid tomorrow, it would be too small to biopsy. A nodule needs to be at least 1 cm (10mm) to be accurately biopsied. Anything smaller might be missed and a false negative found.
I hope this helps.
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2 ReactionsIve had covid 3 times now and have ground glass, several nodules and web scaring. Doc say it's permanent most likely. Down to 37 percent lung function, never smoker.
Ground glass/nodules can be leftovers from an infection.
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1 ReactionAre you seeing a pulmonologist?
Do some research through NIH or some of the leading Medical centers. This will generate questions for you when you see the Pulmo. Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, Duke, Mayo are all good places to gain more knowledge re the GGO's/GGN's
Regarding your comment of 37 percent lung function, is that from a pulmonary function test? If so is it your percent of predicted value for total lung capacity, FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) or FEV1( "Forced Expiratory Volume in one second)?
I am at 61% of predicted value caused by interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in lung). I am on oxygen for exertion and sleep.
Did they identify any causes for your scarring? Is Covid considered responsible for this damage to your lungs? One more example to take Covid seriously. I have had Covid twice, luckily mild cases. The first time 4 weeks after my first lung surgery. No idea how I caught since I was very careful to avoid people.
i am seeing a Pulmonologist who ordered a biopsy by bronchoscopy of two GG nodules we have been watching for 4years. Over the 4 year time period one has increased in size from. 9 mm to 16 mm. the lab report came back with no malignant cells but tissue suspicious for cancer. He has made appts. for me with a Radiology/Oncologist and a Thoracic Surgeon and a PET Ct scan. I have never been a smoker but was exposed to second hand smoke while growing up. Is this an over-reaction and a bit of over-kill? Any information would be appreciated.
No I don't think it is over-kill at all. Thank goodness you have such a conscientious pulmo I should be so lucky! I would follow through with all his recommendations. Will be thinking of you and let us know the findings.
You don't say how the nodules were originally found - was it incidental to x-ray or CT for something else or were you having some lung illness or issue?
I assume your pulmonologist has your complete medical and family history, and is making this recommendation based on the total picture. Having a PET scan is the normal next step in this situation - I believe his setting up the other appointments is so that you can get their input. These are the people who can best evaluate the results of the scan and explain your options. It doesn't necessarily mean surgery and radiation are on your calendar...
I was very scared in September/October by a heart issue discovered when I had Covid. I quickly had a Contrast CT of my heart, which is the best diagnostic tool and it showed a blockage - off to the cardiologist, who I was sure would want to put in stents. Nope - he is good with trying medications first, and reevaluating every 6 months.
So thank your pulmonologist for being proactive, and having you scheduled with the experts as soon as possible after you get the PET scan results.
Good luck to you.