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

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

Due to an incidental discovery while treating upper respiratory infections and then pneumonia, a 2.2 mm nodule was found and the bronchoscopy biopsy revealed that it was adenocarcinoma but all 3 lymph nodes were clear. I had surgery to remove it and 4 lymph nodes 43 days ago. Doing very well. Prior to surgery, a CT Scan and a PET Scan were performed along with blood tests identifying what could be cancer indicators. The nodule ended up being 1.7 mm and all 4 lymph nodes were clear. Just went back for a baseline CT scan and another 8 mm nodule was noted. This did not show up previously on the CT Scan or the PET scan and I have had smaller 1-2mm nodules showing since 2004 that have remained unchanged. At this point, we've made the decision to go back in February for another scan and if it remains unchanged then I will be monitored at that rate for at least the next 2 years. I am comfortable with this program as I work to get back at capacity. A PET Scan, blood tests and even thermal radiography are all non-invasive. If your instinct is telling you to check further, those could be positive options. Mayo has been a life-saver for me as I came for a second opinion and stayed! The one thing I do know is to pray, reflect, learn as much as possible and listen to your instincts without giving in to fear or "future tripping". This is your body, your life and we are designed to heal!