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Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Sep 12, 2023 | Replies (174)Comment receiving replies
Hi John, thank for the additional information. I think you’ll find this information from Veterans Affairs to be really helpful in answering some of the questions you have:
- Small Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know https://www.prevention.va.gov/docs/NodulesWhatYouNeedtoKnow.pdf
The article states:
“A nodule is generally considered small if it is less than 9 mm.”
“ Should I worry that I have a small nodule?
Usually a small nodule (less than 9 mm) is not a cancer, but it still could be an early cancer. The best ways to tell if a small nodule is possibly cancer are by:
1. Seeing how it looks on the LDCT scan, and
2. Seeing whether it grows over time.”
“ Most small nodules are not early lung cancer. Fewer than 5 percent of small nodules, or 5 out of 100, turn out to be cancer.”
I can imagine that you’re concerned. But it is comforting to know that 9mm is still considered small and that 95% of small nodules are not cancer. It’s also good that this was discovered and that your doctor is monitoring the situation closely. I’d like to bring @merpreb and @sueinmn into this conversation as they have experience with lung nodules and can perhaps help with what questions you might want to ask your doctor.
Replies to "Hi John, thank for the additional information. I think you’ll find this information from Veterans Affairs..."
Despite having a ground glass nodule, the Dr told me it is not a cancer diagnosis yet. The whole thing is unnerving, so try not to ruminate too much and do the good things for yourself. I have another CT in March.
Let me show everything; I'm 82, 10 yrs ago smoker, COPD now ,but doing well on sprays ..
Are my chances worse ?
Have Sue & Merp commented?
Welcome, John, to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to respond. It is indeed harrowing to learn that something unexpected is growing in your body. The only thing that I can tell you is that to take one thing at a time. I don't know much about your medical history so I have a couple of questions to help me know what is going on.
First, I am a 24-year lung cancer survivor with a history of many treatments. I have had 2 types of lung cancer. I am treated at a major teaching hospital in Boston.
What brought you to getting care for a doctor's visit? Many lung lesions under 9mm are not considered cancerous. There are different types of cancer and having a CT scan is the first scan that will help determine what is going on in your chest. I glimpsed a hint that you are on an antibiotic and already have a CT planned?
What is the date of your CT? If you have an infection then it should pretty much show up an improvement. If there is something else going on that is not based on a bacteria then further testing is needed, hence the CT scan.
I agree with Sue that having your sputum tested is a good idea. Have you had this done?
I smoked for 35 years. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer but if you have lungs you can get lung cancer.
WHat kind of doctor is ordering the tests? DO you know him/her and do you like him/her?
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Thank you very much. If it is as a result of infection ( Amoxicillin treatment) will it disappear 3 months later in CT..
I am a former smoker,10 yrs ago, will that affect my percentages.?