Connect
Small lung nodules: How often should they be monitored?
Small nodules on each lung. Third CT scan showed no change. Doctor said if next CT in one year shows no change, need no scan again, is this true? I would rather have scans every year?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.
Connect
I will have another CT in May, like six months after a pet scan. I also have MCTD, so they also follow me with yearly CTs and echocardiograms. Ask your doctor about D3; mine sees a link with nodules and low values.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello! 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.
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?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIf 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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@lls8000 Thank you so much! One of my next step is to schedule another appointment with the doctor to ask lots of questions I didn't think of when I was at my follow-up appointment! I will definitely ask about the 6 mos follow up. Thank you very much for jumping on the chat with me!
@layala18 The doctor used an online screening tool with me (can't remember the name of it, but he said it's used all the time) that showed my risk of cancer was very low -- under 5%. But when I said "and I haven't ever smoked," he was very specific to say that his concern was a cancer that nonsmokers get -- especially women. So I left with mixed messages which is what sent me looking for research, rounding up resources and asking more questions. Thank you for the well wishes! All the best to you too. Medical issues are scarey and it's so easy to go down rabbit holes! I had the original CT to rule out something with my heart, and surprise!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes, coming up for my one year after being followed for two 6 month sets of tests. I had one ground glass that had not grown. It is unnerving, for sure.
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.