Second Opinion for lung nodule biopsy

Posted by d41king @d41king, Feb 12, 2020

during a routine CT scan, a 15 MM nodule was found near the base of my right lung - close to my spine and diaphragm. My oncologist wanted us to get a biopsy even though she said there was only a 25% chance it was cancerous (my PET scan showed very little activity at the site), but the lab said that the nodule was too close to the spine and diaphragm and too small, so they could not do the biopsy. My doctor then said we would simply wait 3 months for another scan to see if anything changes. My wife is upset because we wanted the biopsy to rule out cancer. I am seeking a second opinion, but not really sure where to start - except that I am going to let my oncologist know I want to get the second opinion, especially for the peace of mind for my family. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

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

d41king | @d41king | May 20, 2020

In reply to @d41king "Thanks so much !" + (show)

I ended up getting a second opinion and we had decided that even though I was low risk, my Dr would go ahead and remove the nodule. Due to the corona virus, the surgery was deemed elective so the early April surgery was postponed. I had a scan In mid May which showed no change as far as anyone could tell. A team will review the scan later this week, but it appears I may simply get another scan in 6 months

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 20, 2020

@d41king- This is very good news. And at least they are keeping an eye on you until it can be removed!

d41king | @d41king | May 20, 2020

Thanks Merry!

d41king | @d41king | May 25, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@d41king- Great news! Will you please let us know?" + (show)

The Team agreed that I can wait 6 months for a new scan. No surgery!

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 25, 2020

In reply to @d41king "The Team agreed that I can wait 6 months for a new scan. No surgery!" + (show)

@d41king- This is great news but it puts off what you wanted. What is your reaction?

d41king | @d41king | May 25, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@d41king- This is great news but it puts off what you wanted. What is your reaction?" + (show)

Right, but at this point in time with the new corona virus out there, I'm happy to stay out of the hospital. It may have been fortuitous that my surgery was postponed thus keeping my lungs in tact.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 25, 2020

@d41king- It just maybe fortuitous that it has kept you out of the hospital! I'm thinking the same things, thank you, because I had a cancellation for an appointment at my hospital too! Great way of looking at things!

markleh | @markleh | Aug 11, 2021

Hi! I am new to this and glad I did sign on. I had a CAT Scan done because of a rare form of skin cancer and from this scan, my oncologist shared that I had a 12 mm nodule on my upper left lung back in March 2021. On July 23rd, I had to have a chest X-Ray of my lungs because I had a chest cold of sorts and my nurse contacted me a week later saying that the nodule is at 1.3 cm. I am having a PET scan in September...no phone call yet as to when. Has anyone else had similar?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 12, 2021

In reply to @markleh "Hi! I am new to this and glad I did sign on. I had a CAT..." + (show)

@markleh- Good morning and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Oh, dear another type of cancer? So many people, me included, have found that we have a "spot" on our lungs this way, Your nodule has grown but just a little. It's around a 1/2". You are lucky that it has been found early. I think that after your PET your doctor will determine whether a biopsy is needed and possible. (that is that it is in a place that is accessible).

Are you thinking of getting a second Opinion for your lung biopsy results? I'm wondering if you would like to join the skin cancer group and lung cancer group?

- Skin Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/skin-cancer-1/

- Lung Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/