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

My nodule was 1cm discovered on a CT Scan with Cardiologist. Was referred to Pulmonologist who decided it best to watch it for one year to see if there was any change (scans every 3 months). After second scan I decided to go to UCLA (CA) for a second opinion and they recommended needle biopsy, which I did and it was adenocarcinoma. Lower left lobe on the outer side of lung. Had lobectomy one month later. Good news is caught early and no chemo needed after surgery. UCLA is known to be aggressive and I am thankful for it! The hardest part is not knowing. Please get a second opinion. May I add that my husband, a long time smoker, has a 1.2cm nodule that they have been watching for two years (scans every 6 months) and it has not changed so they do NOT suspect cancer. They will continue with annual scans now. My very best to you for a positive outcome!

Hi @kdelbert, Don't be afraid to ask for help or share any issues with your team. This isn't an easy time, but it will get better. How are you tolerating the chemo?

Mine was stage 1, which in Medicare world means they won’t send it for analysis unless there is recurrence.

Mine were done by bronchoscopy and needle biopsy. I had one on each lung and the one done by needle was very hard to get to. Remember to insist that they send the tissue samples to a pathology place like Foundation Medicine for genetically identifying the tumor(s). You may be eligible (as I am) for a targeted therapy treatment.

I’m curious how yours was biopsied? I ask because my pulmonologist and surgeon said mine was too small to biopsy when it was 9mm. It was in the bottom outside edge of my left lung and they both said it would be difficult to grab and hope to drag it Up and out and it was too small to section. Then they said if they were going do a wedge resection to biopsy it, they might as well do the gold standard of lobectomy. I’m still not sure that wasn’t overkill but it’s done and I’m focused on recovery.

No. I had a part of my lung removed and am doing chemo now.

Welcome @kdelbert, were your nodules benign?

Age, location and insurance will probably determine where you can go for your care. No matter, I would get a pulmonologist soon. The next step might be biopsy. Depending on the location of the nodules will determine what type of biopsy. Mine were in a difficult place so I had the biopsies done robotically. I'm fortunate to be on Medicare with good supplemental insurance. If you are in a location where you could go to Mayo Clinic or City of Hope, I would try to get in to either of those. I hope your nodules are benign!

It was surgically removed in a lobectomy and Biopsy was done then.

Hi,

Has your doctor suggested a biopsy?