Connect
← Return to Small lung nodules: How often should they be monitored?
Discussion
Small lung nodules: How often should they be monitored?
Lung Health | Last Active: Jun 16, 2023 | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
Hello! I am 54 and just got my 6 month scans back for an 8mm lower left lobe ground glass nodule. It was found in November during a chest CT I was having done trying to figure out why a pericardial effusion won't go away. The radiologist report said the GGN was stable and recommended a one-year follow up -- which I expected, but then my pulmonologist called and wanted to see me. Never a good sign. At that appointment I learned about adenocarcinomas in nonsmokers -- and even though he said there was only a small chance and agreed a one-year follow up CT was the way to go, I am wondering about missing benefits of early diagnosis. I wasn't alarmed when I first went in, but left a little worried. This doctor is at a very reputable hospital, my diagnosis is on his list of specialties and in general I like his bedside manner and the time he took to answer questions. I am wondering if I should get a second opinion, or if I am exactly on track for protocol.
Replies to "Hello! I am 54 and just got my 6 month scans back for an 8mm lower..."
If you wouldn’t mind, could you please explain what the Dr said about adenocarcinoma in non-smokers? I’m in that position too and also have ground glass nodules that scare the heck out of me. Wishing you all the best.
I have also been sent for Pulmonary Fitness tests, perhaps due to having an autoimmune condition as well. I think this is like a cold; treatable when it becomes pneumonia. Anyway, following the schedule and trying to live my best life.
Connect
Hi @kjcarrera, welcome to Connect. It’s great that your primary nodule is stable. Ultimately you need to be comfortable with the scan schedule. If you are concerned about the annual scan schedule, you should follow up with the pulmonologist. He is correct, that there are many lung cancers in people with no risk factors at all (myself included). There are also many people living with stable GGNs too. I think another scan at 6 months may help ease your mind. That’s worth a lot! Are you comfortable reaching out to his office again, that may be a good first step?