I have an 8mm sub solid nodule that grew from 3-5 to 8 in a year

I am new to this group. Was just looking for thoughts, opinions. I’m waiting to hear from tumor board, however, my pulmonologist is leaning towards waiting three months to repeat cat scan.
My mother died from lung cancer & I smoked for decades. (Smoke free 11 yrs)
So I’m very anxious.
Does anyone have any thoughts?

One radiologist said it was fdg avid. Another said he doesn’t see uptake

Most oncologists or pulmonologists will not try to have a biopsy done before a nodule reaches at least 1cm. Anything smaller is likely to come back with a false negative.

Ahh, thanks for that info.
Appreciate the response.
It’s just the anxiety for me. I guess I’m an anxious person. The waiting & the not knowing is difficult for me.

Should I wait 3 mths for another cat scan? My nodule is 8mm. Or push for biopsy?

Hi Dale- I was told by my pulmonologist and Thoracic surgeon that at 8mm that is the approach, to watch and monitor. We who have them, Yes, get very anxious over that idea, because our natural reaction is “Get it out before it grows or spreads!” What I was told is that they consider it very small, and like Denzie stated, a biopsy can miss it, or get false readings. Mine took 9 years to grow from 8mm to 2 cm. However, they saw mine as “spiculated”, even at 8 mm. Also it was said to be sub solid and suspicious for adenocarcinoma. But that report never went out of the hospital to my doctor, so I never knew for the 9 years that I had it. Does your report mention if it is spiculated or suspicious? It is normal to be anxious about it. Cancer is a scary word, especially when we know loved ones who have died from it. My first husband passed from lung cancer and I was his caretaker. That was 28 years ago. Medicine has come so far since then! I was also a smoker for about 37 years. I had my segmentectomy (where they take segments of a lobe, not an entire lobe) 2 years ago, March 24, 2023. Stage 1b adenocarcinoma. Just had my last 6 month scan and am still clear. I have many calcified nodules, and some solid micro nodules that have not changed in 14 years. I guess I had Valley Fever and never knew it. Anyway, try to relax, do things that you enjoy and have trust in you care team. Of course, stay away from Dr Google if you research this stuff. (Which most of us do) Go to reputable websites like Mayo.org, Cleveland clinic.org, etc. DON’T use .coms, they are not peer reviewed and a lot of them are opinions and just plain scare the s#*t out of you.
If you feel like you need a second opinion, get one. It’s your right. I pray you can relax a bit, and I pray you get the care you need and deserve. God Bless and keep on this site. It is truly helpful and very caring, knowledgable people here. Cindy

@dalelieberman3 , Hi Dale. The waiting can be anxiety inducing for anyone in this situation. Know that the stress that you are feeling is very common. The others here have had some very good advice. It can be difficult to get a good sample from 8 mm. If it helps, it is a good sign that the PET scan didn't show significant uptake.
Do you have a follow up appointment scheduled, possibly after the tumor board has been able to review your case?

My pulmonologist is going to call me after the tumor board meets.
One of the upsetting things for me is in the pet scan report, the radiologist says one thing in the first couple sentences, & then a paragraph down, says something diffferent.
My first thought was if it’s cancer, take it out. But I know understand maybe having to wait because of the tricky area it is to get to & that sometimes has to be bigger than 8mm.
Anyway, just hearing you respond to me brought me much comfort, so thank you!
I will come back on & report what the tomor board has to say.

So my 8mm nodule is sub solid. I have other smaller ones, but that’s the one that is “suspicious”.
Thank you so much, it’s good to know that this group understands my fear.
I’m going to work on the emotions of it, already feel better than I did a week ago.
Prayers for yours & all on here for good health & strength.!

The sun solid nodule must develop a solid portion for them to biopsy. That solid part must be 1cm in order for them to do a needle biopsy or they risk getting a false negative.