Hi @democrite ,
What a coincidence, I live in Paris ( here, as I met my french husband in Canada ). From what I read, if PET scan doesn't light up, that is a very good news !! The pneumologist you mentioned with the extensive experience is in Paris ?Would you mind sharing the hospital / clinique if in Paris ?I tried to get a second opinion/ appointment in Gustave Roussy, but they didn't accept me, as malignancy is not yet confirmed. My nodule was discovered by chance, after I which got an app in EHGP with a pneumologist,unfortunately, my PET scan showed moderate metabolic activity, did bronchial fibroscopy, but the nodule could not be reached, so no sample,however infection came négative, after which a surgery is recommended....my only hope is that if malignant ( which they don't want to confirm at this stage, but waiting after surgery) it is isolated, one nodule and for now 13 mm...hope you continue to get good news !!!

Hello @democrite, every case is different, so we aren't able to say if this biopsy is warranted or not. You didn't mention how large the nodule/mass is believed to be. A biopsy can be performed for more than a yes/no decision on if this is cancer. A biopsy has the potential to determine what type of cells are contained in the nodule or mass, and based on that, the doctors can determine if further treatment is necessary, and the best course of treatment.
The opinion of another pulmonologist will help you to make a decision on the biopsy.
The PET didn't show uptake/light at all? That's good news! You may want to ask the pulmonologist about the potential for infection, and wouldn't an infection light up on the PET too, just at a lower rate? You are questioning the need for the biopsy. Some people would need to know what the nodule is right away, while others would be comfortable waiting and re-scanning. We all get to make decisions about our comfort levels; comfort with waiting, comfort with procedures, etc. Doctors make recommendations, but ultimately, we get to make the final decisions. Wishing you well!

In dealing with medical recommendations:
1) Always check the background of your doctors. Specialists have subspecialties. You want a Specialist who treats your problem, not one who usually treats other issues (like asthma instead of lung cancer).
2) The Notes and tests of the doctor will be online and one should read them. It helps understand and provides base for questions. Also sometimes there are mistakes which one can ask to be corrected
3) Look for clinics with expertise, who do research and are able to provide full range of treatments
4) Get second opinion if any doubt
Good luck

@i had a biopsy after a negative PET because of the size. It was 22mm. But. It turned out to be an infection and follow up scans showed it completely resolved. Just passing on.