Noticed 3 nodules on my right lung (scared to death)

@joe88 - I also am not comfortable with that person telling you they are 98% certain it’s cancer, especially over the phone! 2 tiny to small size solid nodules, even in the upper lung, do not necessarily point to cancer. How long have you had them? Have you had any flu, pneumonia, or colds before your scan? Usually solid nodules are actually a scar from a previous infection. Again, it’s NOT cancer until it is PROVEN to be. I don’t think I would talk to that other provider again. Remember, you are ALWAYS allowed to get a second opinion. Glad to hear you got your appointment moved up. I’m hoping it’s the sooner you get GOOD news!

It is a scary time when you learn there are nodules. Your nodules are small. I imagine that your doctor will want you to have CT scans every few months to see if they change. Your history of smoking put you into a higher risk category, so they will want to make sure that you are okay.

For now, deep breath. I don't understand the word "benign" since that couldn't be determined at a small size with a low-dose CT. It was most likely just an opinion.

The important thing is the suggestion to follow up with another CT scan to see if the nodules change. Many good thoughts coming your way that they stay small and unremarkable. Hugs.

It is a scary time when you learn there are nodules. Your nodules are small. I imagine that your doctor will want you to have CT scans every few months to see if they change. Your history of smoking put you into a higher risk category, so they will want to make sure that you are okay.

For now, deep breath. I don't understand the word "benign" since that couldn't be determined at a small size with a low-dose CT. It was most likely just an opinion.

The important thing is the suggestion to follow up with another CT scan to see if the nodules change. Many good thoughts coming your way that they stay small and unremarkable. Hugs.

Thanks for the welcome. I had a upper left lobectomy a little over a month ago - early-stage squamous nodule.

I noticed after answering the above that it was an older post - I'm new to this. I am still in the emotional wreck stage of recovery. Reading what people are writing has been very helpful.

I am perhaps cancer-free at the moment, but know that can change with a scan.

@mamajite I am pretty much navigating the journey on my own. My care team is not very communicative. I have to check my online reports to get any information. I am supposed to be referred to an oncologist soon, but I'm thinking about changing my care team. I imagine that with as many people who get cancer that I am probably not by myself in feeling alone going through treatment.

The squamous diagnosis is frightening, since I know little is known about targeting these cells. I'm just hoping it doesn't recur. One day at a time.

Life is slowly getting back to normal.

@mamajite I am pretty much navigating the journey on my own. My care team is not very communicative. I have to check my online reports to get any information. I am supposed to be referred to an oncologist soon, but I'm thinking about changing my care team. I imagine that with as many people who get cancer that I am probably not by myself in feeling alone going through treatment.

The squamous diagnosis is frightening, since I know little is known about targeting these cells. I'm just hoping it doesn't recur. One day at a time.

Life is slowly getting back to normal.

Hi everyone! First and foremost, thank you all for your support! I recently had a low dose CT scan of the chest and found 3 nodules on my right lung. I have about 19 years of smoking. I am extremely terrified with the findings and after reading several medical journals, I am convinced that I have lung cancer. Right now, my nodules are less then 6 mm. What is really causing me more fear is that 2 of the nodules are on the upper lobe and from my research, having nodules on the upper lobe is a high change of malignancy. Please, help me. Im so paralyzed with fear about having cancer and have no one to talk to. I attached my CT findings down below. Please, please help and any advice would be grateful and having a freind(s) would be awesome. Thank you all. I really need friends, please be a friend. I really would love develop a friendship with those of us fighting this battle with cancer or the possibility of cancer. I love you all, please get in contact with me. I would love to have an advocate with me when I see the pulmonologist on Nov 13th. Thank you all again.

EXAM: CT LUNG SCREENING

HISTORY: Patient is 44 years old with long-term history of smoking
FINDINGS:
PULMONARY NODULES: 5 mm solid posterior right upper lobe nodule (3/78), 4 mm solid subpleural inferior right upper lobe nodule (3/111), and 2 mm solid subpleural anterior right middle lobe nodule (3/125).

LUNGS/AIRWAYS/PLEURA: There is no focal consolidation. Mild paraseptal emphysema. The trachea and main segmental bronchi are patent without endobronchial filling defects. Bronchial wall thickening, suggestive of chronic airway disease. There is no pleural effusion.

LOWER NECK/CHEST WALL/AXILLA: The visualized lower neck and chest wall appear grossly unremarkable. There is no axillary lymphadenopathy.

MEDIASTINUM/HILA: No pathologically enlarged mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes are seen.

CARDIOVASCULAR: There is no pericardial effusion. Mild coronary artery calcification. The thoracic aorta is within normal limits of caliber. The pulmonary trunk and arteries are within normal limits of caliber.

UPPER ABDOMEN: Given the low dose technique, images of the upper abdomen are extremely limited for diagnostic purposes, however appear grossly unremarkable.

OSSEOUS STRUCTURES: There are no acute osseous abnormalities.

IMPRESSION:

1. Pulmonary nodules measuring less than 6 mm

2. Mild coronary artery calcification.
LUNG-RADS Category 2: Benign.

MANAGEMENT: Recommend screening low-dose chest CT in 12 months.

@sanmarcos it's good to have an oncologist - I find they are like the quarterbacks of cancer care and do a better job of managing the entire treatment process. I'm glad you're doing well post surgery. the unknowns with cancer are scary - try to stay in the present as much as you can. let us know how your oncology appointment goes. hugs!