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Can doctors have an idea if a nodule is cancerous just by looking at C

Posted by lhatfield96 @lhatfield96, Jun 4 11:18am

I had a follow up with my pulmonologist. He looked at my scans and said that he did not feel it was cancerous. I’m concerned about the 2mm increase however he said that is common and could be due to measuring etc. He ordered a PET and a blood test and if those are negative, wants to see me back in six months. Then he said that we would have to watch it for five years. I don’t know how I’m going to get through having to do this every year for five years as my anxiety is already debilitating thoughts?

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dougmck | @dougmck | Jun 12 6:11pm

This is all great news and sounds pretty definitive to me. Your nodule isn't malignant. When a nodule is ground glass - as opposed to solid, which can indicate cancer - they usually just watch it. They may do another CT in three months or so just to be safe. Celebrate!

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Jun 23 5:58pm
In reply to @lhatfield96 "I got my PET results today. All very reassuring but as you all know not definitive...." + (show)
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I got my PET results today. All very reassuring but as you all know not definitive. Why can’t I be happy with this? Should I just have him biopsy?

Impression
IMPRESSION: No focal activity associated with the ground-glass nodule in the peripheral right upper lobe, stable in CT appearance. This could be due to a benign etiology or a low-grade neoplasm. Continued CT follow-up is recommended. D/T: 6/11/2025 09:34:51 / Nathan G. Gee, MD Nathan G. Gee, MD Interpreting Provider: Nathan G. Gee, MD Electronically signed by Nathan G. Gee, MD on 6/11/2025 09:45:22
Narrative
EXAMINATION: WHOLE BODY PET/CT 6/11/2025 TECHNIQUE: Following IV injection of 9.8 mCi of F-18 FDG, PET tumor imaging was acquired from the base of the skull to the mid thighs. Computed tomography was used for purposes of attenuation correction and anatomic localization. Fusion imaging was utilized for interpretation. Uptake time 62 min. Glucose level 83 mg/dl. COMPARISON: CT scan of the chest 05/06/2025 and 12/03/2024 HISTORY: ORDERING SYSTEM PROVIDED HISTORY: TECHNOLOGIST PROVIDED HISTORY: Reason for Exam: Lung nodule; FINDINGS: HEAD/NECK: No metabolically active cervical lymphadenopathy. CHEST: No focal activity associated with the ground-glass nodule in the peripheral right upper lobe, stable in CT appearance. No metabolically active axillary, hilar, or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. ABDOMEN/PELVIS: No metabolically active intraperitoneal mass. No metabolically active abdominal or pelvic lymphadenopathy. Physiologic activity in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. BONES/SOFT TISSUE: No abnormal FDG activity localizes to the bones. No aggressive osseous lesion. INCIDENTAL CT FINDINGS: Evidence of prior granulomatous disease.

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Hi @lhatfield96, Did you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the PET results? Were they reassuring, or did they leave you with more questions or apprehension?

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Jun 24 1:17pm

If it will male you feel any better. I have a nodule in my right upper lobe (lung) that we have been watching. Upon detection 5 years ago the my pulmo did do a PET scan which was negative. Had a CT follow-up schedule. Now the nodule is just hanging out there. Could be scar tissue from previous pneumonia that I have had or a GGO. As long as your Physician is following it I would try to take it off your "worry list." I also have a high degree of anxiety but am trying to do better. And Yes, often times physicians are able to identify between benign and malignant. Thirty years ago, I had a ping-pong size brain tumor and the neurosurgeon assure me that it was not a cancer. Sure enough it wasn't. There are lots of criteria taken into consideration when assessing abnormal growths.

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lhatfield96 | @lhatfield96 | Jun 27 10:20am
In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @lhatfield96, Did you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the PET..." + (show)
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Hi @lhatfield96, Did you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the PET results? Were they reassuring, or did they leave you with more questions or apprehension?

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Hi Lisa. PET was negative but blood work from Nodify test came back concerning. Biopsy scheduled for July 9.

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Jul 18 10:44am
In reply to @lhatfield96 "Hi Lisa. PET was negative but blood work from Nodify test came back concerning. Biopsy scheduled..." + (show)
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Hi Lisa. PET was negative but blood work from Nodify test came back concerning. Biopsy scheduled for July 9.

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Hi @lhatfield96, just checking in, how are you doing after the biopsy? Did the results show anything actionable?

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lhatfield96 | @lhatfield96 | Jul 19 1:04pm

Still waiting on final pathology Lisa. Cytology report showed benign cells but I don’t have final report yet. I don’t know why this is taking so long and I’m sick with worry. It’s been 10 days.

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lhatfield96 | @lhatfield96 | Jul 19 1:08pm
In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @lhatfield96, Did you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the PET..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa, Volunteer Mentor @lls8000

Hi @lhatfield96, Did you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the PET results? Were they reassuring, or did they leave you with more questions or apprehension?

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Pet completely negative.

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