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Is a Spiculated lung nodule always malignant?

Lung Health | Last Active: 18 hours ago | Replies (213)

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Profile picture for Lisa, Volunteer Mentor @lls8000

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!

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Replies to "Hello @democrite, every case is different, so we aren't able to say if this biopsy is..."

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your kind and professional response.
-Nodule is 1.4x1.4, mildly spiculated
-was 1.2X 0.8 during last scan like 5 months ago
-Lightly spiculated
French pulmonologist was absolutely categoric it should not be biopsied but antibiotic for a month then repeat a scan
-Biopsy was ordered by thoracic surgeon
-Important detail, the CT scan who shows the nodule growth was done 15ish days after i return from a long trip in Thailand, lot of ppl were sick in the plane and i got sick, like really sick, coughing like crazy for 2 weeks after i returned.
-i explain this to the surgeon who booked the biopsy and he did not react
- Personal research and talk with French pulmonologist show it is a relevant information who could/might have oriented in a different direction than biopsy since risks of infection in this part of the world are a real thing.
- I will see another pulmonologist in the US this Friday...
Voila...
Best and thank you