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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That is excellent pro active care...You are very fortunate..I have a 8mm solid nodule which started out as ground glass in 2017 at 3mm and since than is now 8mm and solid..I had a Pet scan with an uptake of 1.6 which is considered negative..the concern seems to be that it has changed shape to spiculated and is now solid..I have had 6 months CT scans for the past 4 years. I was referred to a Thorastic Surgeon in 2023 and now they advise it is 50/50 as to whether it is cancerous..It is in a middle lobe in an area that cannot be biopsied..They are pushing for removal of it and entire middle lobe which I feel is too risky as my breathing is at 58% and this would lower it on the MAYBE it is..It has been stable since 2022 so I feel that is a real positive ..I have requested a follow up CT scan in 6 months but the surgeon feels we will just be at the same place as we are today.. but has agreed to do that..hence my opinion of why take it out as he cannot guarantee it is cancer and that is a huge surgery plus with my lung issues makes me extremely fearful and my age of 74..
I have now e mailed his office for the Biodesix Nodule test which I understand is now available in Canada... We will see if he will fill out the forms..I guess he is figuring better to remove it for a guarantee but I feel the risks are too great on the MAYBE IT IS..Any comments would be appreciated
I have similar situation. Did have the biodesix blood test done in September. They came to my house to do blood draw and results take approximately 5 days. Mine came back mid range, so neither negative or positive. Basically not solving the anything. This mass (spiculated) more than doubled in size at last CT (5 months ago) and now in high 2cm range. After biodesix test everyone just kind of forgot about me, despite my attempts to get answers as to whether I have cancer or not. I am a bronchietasis,mycobacteria, gerd patient with history of previous lung surgery to remove questionable growing nodule in 2018. That entire section of my lung that was removed was sent to lab. Four days later mycobacteria diagnosis confirmed. I had been very, very sick for four years that time, prior to surgery. Been on airway clearance ever since. This mass is not causing similar symptoms I had with previous episode. Mass is also much larger than previous one removed. The lack of mycobacteria symptoms makes me believe this one is cancer. However, very slow response to figuring this out. Now 5 mo. later I am being referred to UPenn. Amazed and frustrated I have been left wondering for 5 months! Had no respiratory symptoms last time. This time major respiratory problems progressively getting worse. Yesterday told by primary physician that my lungs sound like “shit” and he could not even hear my heartbeat due to lung noise being so loud. He did start two meds and wants me back in office Thursday and told if no better would have to intubate me. I am not happy! I am 69 yrs old and have entered the stage where I am invisible and get ignored regularly. Feel I am where I am medically due to their neglect, not mine. So tired of fighting for health care.
Sue, thank you for your advice. The nodules were found incidentally in a ct for a-fib. There have been 6 month CTs stretching over four years to monitor the growth. I recently had an ablation for the a-fib which has been completely resolved.
My reluctance to go further is based on my advanced years of 85 and the fact that I am the sole caregiver to my 91 year old husband. He is a survivor of bladder cancer and has a urostomy so I will have to be dependent on others for doctor visits, etc. I simply don’t want to go through more tests and procedures unless there is a certainty it will lead to cancer in the next few years. If I were 50 years old, it would be another matter entirely.
Hoping you had a good and positive meeting today at your GP today..I am so sorry to hear you have felt ignored after your Biodesix blood came back and gave no definitive answer..
Thank goodness you have now been referred to UPenn and hopefully that appt is soon.
Try not to jump to any conclusions as it could be mycobacteria recurring but you need tests to find out what this approx 2cm nodule is and need them ASAP..Wishing I could be of more help as this is a frightening situation and thankfully your GP is aware of all. Thinking and praying for all good results
Thank you. My UPenn appointment cannot get here quick enough.