1. < Lung Cancer
Profile picture for laura2904

Biopsy for a Lung Nodule

Posted by laura2904 @laura2904, Jul 4 8:49pm

Went to see a thoracic surgeon yesterday and she has recommended a biopsy and PET CT Scan. I am scared to do the biopsy.

Looking for feedback on your experience with lung nodules and biopsies and if the results were benign malignant.

These are my CT scans I have done. This nodule was an incidental finding.

Dec 18th 2024
Potential partial visualization right lower lobe 10 x 6 mm subsolid nodule
with 5 mm solid portion.

Jan 26th 2025
Basal right lower lobe there is a small part solid nodule with irregular peripheral margins measuring up to 15 mm.

February 26 2025
Right lower lobe 1.3 x 1.0 cm nodule.

March 10 2025
Lungs: Increased size of right lower lobe nodule measuring 1.5 x 0.8 x 1.0 cm (TV X AP X CC), previously 1.1 x 0.8 x 0.8
cm (TV X AP X CC). Irregular borders redemonstrated. Lesion abuts subsegmental pulmonary artery
Increase size of right lower lobe nodule, with irregular borders measuring up to 1.5 cm. Lesion is suspicious for pulmonary
malignancy.

June 27 2025
Persistent spiculated opacity in the right lower lobe measuring 1.2 x 0.9 cm,
relatively similar compared to prior study from 1/26/2025.
Persistent spiculated opacity in the right lower lobe measuring 1.2 x 0.9 cm
relatively stable compared to 1/26/2025. Given the appearance, malignancy
is the diagnosis of exclusion. Image guided biopsy can be attempted.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for laura2904
laura2904 | @laura2904 | Nov 5 11:30pm
In reply to @flusshund "Hi @troubletwo—nodules can behave quite differently from one person to the next, and much depends on..." + (show)
Profile picture for Matthew K @flusshund

Hi @troubletwo—nodules can behave quite differently from one person to the next, and much depends on both their size and how quickly they change. For example, one of mine grew from 6 mm to 8 mm in just three months—a 30 % increase—so my team ordered a PET scan right away. Thankfully, it turned out to be benign. I’ve even had nodules grow by 50 % over a similar period and still prove harmless. Because any biopsy carries its own risks, your oncologist will weigh that step carefully before recommending it.

My personal approach is simple: until my oncologist says, “You have cancer,” I assume I don’t. That mindset has carried me through seven active, full-time working years (with a promotion along the way) and keeps my focus on what I enjoy rather than on what-ifs. We all know life is short; this community understands that better than most. So keep asking questions, lean on your medical team’s judgment, and, above all, keep living your life to the fullest and encourage your husband to do the same. We’re right here cheering both of you on.

Jump to this post

@flusshund

@lls8000

The biopsy came back inconclusive in July. Oct 17th they did a Vats Wedge right lower lobe surgery and I got the pathology results today that it's Stage 1 Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung. In a couple of weeks they are doing a right lower lobe lobectomy.

REPLY
Profile picture for Lisa, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Nov 8 10:27am
In reply to @laura2904 "@lls8000 The biopsy came back inconclusive in July. Oct 17th they did a Vats Wedge right..." + (show)
Profile picture for laura2904 @laura2904

@lls8000

The biopsy came back inconclusive in July. Oct 17th they did a Vats Wedge right lower lobe surgery and I got the pathology results today that it's Stage 1 Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung. In a couple of weeks they are doing a right lower lobe lobectomy.

Jump to this post

@laura2904, I’m sorry that you didn’t receive better news, and that you’re headed back to surgery. Know that people go through this surgery successfully, getting it out of there at this early stage is the best thing. Do you have someone to help you after surgery? How were you doing with recovery from the wedge resection?

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.