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Can doctors have an idea if a nodule is cancerous just by looking at C
I had a follow up with my pulmonologist. He looked at my scans and said that he did not feel it was cancerous. I’m concerned about the 2mm increase however he said that is common and could be due to measuring etc. He ordered a PET and a blood test and if those are negative, wants to see me back in six months. Then he said that we would have to watch it for five years. I don’t know how I’m going to get through having to do this every year for five years as my anxiety is already debilitating thoughts?
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Hi ihatfield96,
I also have a small nodule that will be watched and nothing will be done unless it reaches 10mm. You asked about suggestions: my first suggestion is that if you are a praying Christian, rely on your faith and prayer; second suggestion is to not allow the anxiety to control your thoughts. So, we have testing to go through every year...part of life with this issue. I am 74 years mature (I refuse to say "old") and life is too be lived, not to fret and worry about " what if". There's a lot of meaning in the adage of "don't worry, be happy ".
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11 ReactionsThank you meh3. Wise words and I have to flip the script in my mind as I have allowed this to control me for five months. I have allowed this and need to break the cycle. Prayer is powerful and I need to give this to the Lord. Mine grew from 8mm to a 10mm but he feels it could be within the margin of error. Like you said the “what ifs” are permeating my thoughts. Thank you for your words and take care..💕
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3 ReactionsOK if I add you to my prayers?
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2 ReactionsPlease my friend.
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2 ReactionsDone! I am a prayer warrior!
Let's keep in touch.
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1 Reaction@lhatfield96
I feel your fear. I have had abnormal findings that needed to be monitored over time. Never fun.
How long ago was the nodule identified? Are you or were you a smoker? Do you vape? Were you exposed to 2nd hand smoke throughout your life?
Have you had a biopsy of the nodule? What testing and imaging has been done so far?
Have you been prescribed any medication for your anxiety and are you getting counseling to help you navigate this?
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1 Reaction@lhatfield96, each test, scan, and appointment all come together to give us a bigger picture of the puzzle. The PET sounds like a great next step for your case. It will help to fill in one more piece. Your doctors use these tests to learn more about what the nodules might be made up of, and to alleviate the fear of it being cancer. I know it's difficult, but trying to change your mind set into thinking that each test is confirming that it's not likely cancer. Take some comfort in knowing that the doctors haven't seen anything that alarmed them to the point of wanting to take further invasive action. This is all good news. Has the PET and blood work been scheduled?
Hi Lisa. Yes it’s scheduled for Tuesday. He offered to biopsy it but wasn’t adamant about that. He said twice that he didn’t think it was cancer. I know he can’t tell for sure but he wasn’t concerned with it. I don’t know why I cannot hold onto that and bring myself out of this state.
@lhatfield96, this is a scary time for you, don't beat yourself up about what you are feeling. Just know that we're here to listen when you need us. Best of luck to you at your appointments on Tuesday. Let us know how it goes. Hugs.
I got my PET results today. All very reassuring but as you all know not definitive. Why can’t I be happy with this? Should I just have him biopsy?
Impression
IMPRESSION: No focal activity associated with the ground-glass nodule in the peripheral right upper lobe, stable in CT appearance. This could be due to a benign etiology or a low-grade neoplasm. Continued CT follow-up is recommended. D/T: 6/11/2025 09:34:51 / Nathan G. Gee, MD Nathan G. Gee, MD Interpreting Provider: Nathan G. Gee, MD Electronically signed by Nathan G. Gee, MD on 6/11/2025 09:45:22
Narrative
EXAMINATION: WHOLE BODY PET/CT 6/11/2025 TECHNIQUE: Following IV injection of 9.8 mCi of F-18 FDG, PET tumor imaging was acquired from the base of the skull to the mid thighs. Computed tomography was used for purposes of attenuation correction and anatomic localization. Fusion imaging was utilized for interpretation. Uptake time 62 min. Glucose level 83 mg/dl. COMPARISON: CT scan of the chest 05/06/2025 and 12/03/2024 HISTORY: ORDERING SYSTEM PROVIDED HISTORY: TECHNOLOGIST PROVIDED HISTORY: Reason for Exam: Lung nodule; FINDINGS: HEAD/NECK: No metabolically active cervical lymphadenopathy. CHEST: No focal activity associated with the ground-glass nodule in the peripheral right upper lobe, stable in CT appearance. No metabolically active axillary, hilar, or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. ABDOMEN/PELVIS: No metabolically active intraperitoneal mass. No metabolically active abdominal or pelvic lymphadenopathy. Physiologic activity in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. BONES/SOFT TISSUE: No abnormal FDG activity localizes to the bones. No aggressive osseous lesion. INCIDENTAL CT FINDINGS: Evidence of prior granulomatous disease.