Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?

Posted by felix536 @felix536, Aug 17, 2021

I have 3 lung nodules measuring 4mm, 6mm and 14 mm in three different lobes. Have had ct scans showing no change in 6 months and have another scan scheduled in three months per my pulmonologist. Should I get a second opinion from an Oncologist or wait it out? What are the chances of this being noncancerous?

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dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "@dedehans- Wouldn't the doctor send her samples for testing to a place of his choosing, or..." + (show)

I am no expert but Foundation One Medicine is the place I had mine done.....One in MA, one in WA or OR I think....They overnight the tissue from the biopsy or surgery. It's a unique test that isn't done everywhere. https://www.foundationmedicine.com/search?q=lung+cancer

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @dedehans "I am no expert but Foundation One Medicine is the place I had mine done.....One in..." + (show)

I'm not questioning where you had yours done. But perhaps her doctor's practice used another. There are many and the main point is to get it tested! Right?

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "I'm not questioning where you had yours done. But perhaps her doctor's practice used another. There..." + (show)

Yes. The test is way beyond a typical biopsy. Foundation Medicine is (I think) a branch of Mass General Hospital....

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @dedehans "Yes. The test is way beyond a typical biopsy. Foundation Medicine is (I think) a branch..." + (show)

I think one must be stage IV to qualify for this test. Not sure.

felix536 | @felix536 | Jan 22, 2022

Pulmonologist recommended needle biopsy. I think the thoracic surgeon is recommending the wedge. Ventura pulmonologist seems to think it might be benign because of no growth (or maybe his hunch) and UCLA pulmonologist explains it as a weird shape with jagged edges and ground glass. Because she recommended the NB, maybe she thinks there is a chance it's an anomaly and not cancer. I really don't know what to do but thought this would be a less invasive procedure so would start there. Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated. Haven't scheduled it yet.

felix536 | @felix536 | Jan 23, 2022

Good information. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely mention this at time of scheduling appointment.

stankent | @stanleykent | Jan 23, 2022

In reply to @felix536 "I got a second opinion at UCLA for my 12mm nodule, lower left lung and have..." + (show)

Felix. In my case, a lung nodule was discovered and they did a three month follow up , Nodule had grown and a needle biopsy was completed. A needle biopsy was less traumatic than I thought it would be.. Most important though, it provided the evidence to determine a path forward. Mine was cancer. At that point they did a PET CT and brain MR to see my cancer was anywhere else. It wasn't and removal/ lung surgery was recommended and completed. Looking back, each step was troubling, but now understand the purpose behind the steps and direction the doctors took.
I'm guessing, but if the needle biopsy results would have been better and were not of concern, they would have wanted another CT in six months and monitor for any changes.
Good luck........Keep us updated. Thanks.

felix536 | @felix536 | Jan 24, 2022

Do you mind if I ask the location and size of your nodule? And did you have a lobectomy? Thank you!

stankent | @stanleykent | Jan 25, 2022

In reply to @felix536 "Do you mind if I ask the location and size of your nodule? And did you..." + (show)

It was 27 mm in the upper right lobe and the surgery was lobectomy. I don't know why they decided on the entire lobe instead of a wedge? I'd guess it was the location.