8 mm lung nodule possible malignancy: What should I do?

Hi, I have MAC disease and get check ups every 6 months with a CT scan once a year. In September I asked to have a CT scan even though not due for one. Found a new spot and put me on antibiotic and said come back in 3 months. I decided not to do that and told them I wanted to come back in a month and have another CT scan. Good thing I did. Found another new spot. Sent me for a PET scan end of Oct. and it lit up. I am scheduled for a lung biopsy next week. My suggestion is be very aggressive with your care. My nodule is 1.2cm. It's not a definite cancer diagnosis when the PET lights up, could be another new infection, inflammation or cancer. MAC disease will also light up the scan. I'm hopeful that it is not cancer, but glad I pursued it. Early detection can save lives. Best of luck to you, keep me posted.

Hi @shannynicksen, You are still very new at this, and I'm sure your head is still spinning from the shock of it all. You mentioned in another post that you are a never smoker. Do you know if your doctor order biomarker testing on your biopsy samples? Sometimes they don't on early stage cancers, do you know what stage are you? Have you met with an oncologist yet?

It is quite an initial shock and everything runs through your mind. It really helped me to go from the CT Scan to to a PET scan. I'm not sure what size shows up best on a PET Scan but I think it reads at 4mm and might be recommended over 8 mm. If a tumor is fast growing it shows up red. It's certainly something that I would ask about for peace of mind. I am watching an 8mm after having had adenocarcinoma removed that was 1.7cm. It helps me to wait and watch by knowing the 8mm did not show up red. Hope this is helpful.

@shannynicksen I'm sorry to hear this. I understand the shock. It brought me back when I got that call from my Dr that they saw a suspicious mass on my routine chest Xray. Shocked, total disbelief, felt time just stopped for me . It's important to have a good family and friends support to help navigate the journey ahead. Knowing what the plan helped me out. I read up on my illness and have written questions for my team at each appointments. Its best to go your appointments with a trusted person as it is overwhelming and its good to have someone else there listening to the discussions. I prayed a lot and have conversations with God about giving me the courage and strength for what's ahead. Wish you all the best and you are not alone on this. Take care.

When they found a mass on my CT scan my Dr. referred me to a pulmonologist. She ordered a Bronchoscopy & did biopsies. Oct. 23, 2025.
It came back as non small cell squamous carcinoma.
Very shocking as I was being treated for pneumonia which turned into C.
It’s very hard to believe.

I think you have to advocate for yourself and go with your gut when it concerns your health. I had a follow up with my surgeon this morning and (I'm a question asker type) and he said "some people need to hear explanations from more than one person so I suggest you make an appt. with an oncologist." You bet - I am on it. My opinion (and it is just mine) - I would go see at least what an oncologist said. Maybe he will side with your GP but it is his field and I would feel more comfortable hearing it from him.

@jessicamc yes 100% my anxiety is so bad but lung nurse said there is strong evidence there that tumor is typical carcinoid by my scans and biopys... yes ireland is a really nice place west cork also a beautiful place loads of tourist go there beautiful mountains and beaches

@chrispie When has anyone heard of Covid being a good thing? I acutally am thank-ful I got Covid, thereby finding the nodule on my lung. If that had not happened the cancer would not have been found at Stage 1. My husband has had abt 3 cat scans on a nodule they are watching to see if there are any changes.
My belief is face your fears and prove them to be wrong! If not wrong, at least you have taken the first step in courage...The most important step your going to need.

@jessicamc, I have to point out that waiting for results CAN be anxiety creating. They also CAN be viewed as yet another opportunity to find out you're still cancer free. I've been scanned every 3 months since December 2020 after my EGFR Exon 19 mutation metastasized to my brain. If I was worried before every scan, I'd be nuts by now! I've had a couple of incidents, but mostly cancer free for these last 5 years. Our health is so much better when we lives optimistic lives of hope.

@felix536