Newly found GGN
Hi, I’m really saddened by this finding, the 6 mm rounded groundolass nodule right lower lobe, and my doctor is not responding ! They want me to do a Ct in 6 months! I’m scared and worried!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
Hello @sienabellisima and welcome to the lung cancer support group on Mayo Connect. It is certainly natural to be worried about any nodule showing up on a CT scan. Following up in six months seems like a reasonable response by your doctor. If the nodule has grown, then more diagnostic work can be done. There, of course, is always the possibility that it will remain the same. This type of nodule can be the result of previous upper respiratory infections. Here is a link to some information:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ground-glass-opacity#definition
Many members of Connect, including myself, have had this finding show up on a CT scan. I would encourage you to read these posts. Here is the link:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/groundglass-opacities-within-the-lungs-what-does-it-mean/
In the future, please post about your concerns in this support group. It will be more helpful to you now, since lung cancer has not been diagnosed.
Have you been having symptoms of lung problems, such as shortness of breath or a chronic cough?
Hello Teresa, I am so happy you responded to me, 😢 I’ve been so sad and can’t say much to anyone! When you say shortness of breath is it in casual times? No, if I’m just at home, or out walking normally, not very fast or uphill, then I’m ok, uphill gets a bit breathtaking lately after Covid years! I don’t have chronic coughs either.
When I did the cardiac CTA and the result of the lungs were sent quickly with the GGN, needless to say I was blindsided, and the doctor never explained, not even brushed upon what it may mean so the internet has been the only place I’ve looked and the results haven’t been good!
Thank you fir caring enough to write to me!
Please remember to post in the Lung Health discussion thread that I mentioned in my post to you, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/groundglass-opacities-within-the-lungs-what-does-it-mean/, @sienabellisima, and remember that it is always your right to get a second opinion, if you feel that something else needs to be done.
I noticed that you had a cardiac CTA. Was this done to follow up on a cardiac issue? Have you had any cancer diagnosis in the past?
It’s not uncommon that they wait even though all you want is for them to remove before it can cause you trouble.. it’s very normal to feel this way…I also went through 3 years of routine ct scans before they could determine what it was, before that happened they said it was too early to make a diagnosis… on a happier note, you are being looked after very early on and this is a big advantage with the lungs, I learned that the reason they have poor outcome with the lungs is because it’s found too late. I know it’s hard to relax but your in a good place and also nothing has been determined so it might just be a nodule and they are normal and not always a problem
No, I haven’t had any cardiac issues nor cancer diagnosis. The CTA was fine because I was having pain around my chest and left arm. The doctor wanted to make sure that it’s not due to calcification. I’ve always had an imbalanced cholesterol even though I’ve always taken care of my eating, have exercised, never snack, smoke, and I’m not a drinker. I’m just disappointed that no one is explaining anything to me and I’m going out of my mind thinking what’s going to happen, what dues this all mean!!!
Thank you for your care
Really? If it’s just a nodule it’s normal? I had no idea! Thank you for taking the time to communicate.
Nodules are very common in the lungs and they aren’t cancer until tests are done to determine what it is…I feel for you because it’s scary, what isn’t scary today but as I’ve mentioned earlier, you’re very early and that’s a huge plus for you and your lungs.
@sienabellisima, there was a new discussion started in the Lung Health group regarding ground glass nodules. I found the comments from other members to be very encouraging. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/887941/
And like @frouke noted above, nodules are common, and don't mean cancer. Many people have nodules come and go, without even knowing about them.
Have you been able to reach back out to get any additional info from your doctors?
Hi, thank you for connecting. I’ve tried to get an appointment, however so far no one has returned my calls! I am worried, but when I hear from people like you I feel a bit at ease! I’ve contacted 2 of the major medical groups in Illinois, it seems there is shortage of doctors. My oxygen level is good, nothing has changed as far as breathing, I hope and pray it’s nothing. Thank you again.
By any chance did you have covid?