← Return to Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?

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@vic83

Your concern is understandable. My mother died at age 58 from lung cancer and my cousin on my mother's side at 54 of the same. You mentioned "My family physician wants to take a watch and see approach". Is that a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine doctor? If so, and your insurance allows you, seek out a Specialist (Pulmonologist). Check their background and look for one that treats lung nodules and/or lung cancer because not all of them do. Have you read the radiologist's report? Those reports can contain recommendations on follow up. I had an abnormal chest x-ray at urgent care and the report recommended a CT scan. I made an appointment directly with Pulmonologist and skipped my primary care provider- the CT scan report recommended PET scan. I did have lung cancer. My only symptom was recent shortness of breath which could also be attributed to a heart issue. I always look for a specialist for specific health issues. Medicine is a large subject, and it is important to see the knowledgeable experienced doctor with the right training.

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Replies to "Your concern is understandable. My mother died at age 58 from lung cancer and my cousin..."

Thank you! It was my primary Dr. I’m going to ask her to refer me to a pulmonologist. But you know how mayo is..it will probably be months before I can get in. And the report stated wait 3 mos and do another ct scan..but that person doesn’t know my family history! So frustrating.

My mother also died from lung cancer at age 56, in 1973. Long time smoker, had a lot of pneumonia over the last years of her life. I have MCTD, so they keep watch and the first CT showed nodules and for about a year, it was a lot of testing, including a pet scan. But the followup CT showed no growth, so waiting until Jan of 2024 to return to the oncology pulmonologist. I am glad to have someone knowledgeable who has a sense of how serious this is. I have several nodules under 5mm and one ground glass at 1.5mm. I really was worried for awhile, after Covid, but breathing is pretty good. I hope that the greater technology these days will help you out on this.