Concer Lung Nodule and Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Good Sunday to you. I can’t comment to the specifics of your current readings but stay positive. Early detection depending on the conclusive analysis provides the best opportunity for a range of treatments and positive outcomes. All of us have experienced the fear that comes with the initial diagnosis but every individual is different and it can be very treatable and managed by your health team. Keep the faith!
PS Don’t rely on Dr. Google. Often very bad advice 😊

Hi espiritu56,
Thank you so much for your kind words and advice.
My pulumonologist hasn't see the PET report yet since the scan was done last Friday, and the result was posted on MyChart later that day. I'll probably hear from her after she has a chance to review it. I also have an appointment with my thoracic surgon next week.

Good Morning-
Did the report state anything else? Like what it appeared to be? Like possible inflammation or possible ???. Mine stated that my findings were suspicious for adenocarcinoma. Did it recommend any next steps? Or has your doctor recommended a next step? Hoping for the Best for you!❤️🙏 God Bless you!

Hi cmcguire10,
For the lung nodule (1.2X1.0), The report states "without substantial FDG avidity; however, a slow growing neoplasm cannot be excluded".
Regarding the lymph nodes that showed activity on my PET scan, the report notes: "differential considerations include a lymphoproliferative process or an infectious/inflammatory process such as sarcoidosis."
Both of my doctors, the pulmonologist and thoracic surgeon, have not yet had a chance to review the report, as it was posted to MyChart late Friday last week. I believe the doctors may suggest bronchoscopy biopsy of the lymph nodes as the next step.
Not knowing what the findings on my PET scan mean, and waiting for my doctors to review them, is making me feel very anxious.

hi @cmcguire10 - the uncertainty is so stressful. I wish there wouldn't be gaps between scans and when the doctors discuss the results with you. I'm only a layperson, but what I think this means is that nothing is conclusive from your imaging. Cancer usually has a higher uptake "FDG avidity" than regular cells, but sometimes that doesn't work on smaller nodules. (I have 3 known malignant nodules and only 2 lit up on my PET scan.) The radiologist also thinks that blood cancers (lymphoma/leukemia), immune conditions like sarcoidosis, and infections should all be ruled out. Since they can't do that through imaging, I think you are right to expect a biopsy as a next step. I hope that helps. Let us know what your doctors say once you can meet with them.

I’m pretty sure all of us on this site know exactly what you are going through. I lost 5 pounds in a couple weeks just worrying and waiting. Not Good! Your mind wanders down some pretty dark paths if you let it. DON’T let it! As someone else mentioned, Don’t use Dr Google. Only research on .org sites like Mayo, or Cleveland clinic etc. You can be happy they have been found, and now you and the doctors can start the process of funding out what it is and how to “fix” it. Better finding it now instead of much later! I hope all goes well. Try to keep your mind busy with other happy thoughts and I pray you have a Good Outcome!

@faith3981, I find it unlikely that MyChart gets the results before your doctors. My experience indicates you can take a deep breath. In this world, no news is good news.

My Oncologist's nurse navigator called me 2 hours after I returned home from my CAT scan to tell me that a PET scan was ordered because a nodule had grown 30% in three months. Turned out to be benign. But 2 hours!

My initial diagnosis was in 2018 at stage 2b. My EGFR Exon 19 mutation metastasized to my brain in 2020. I had a small recurrence in 2024, easily removed with radiation. Otherwise, I'm still good. I've been tested every 3 months since December 2020, so I've been in this world a long time.

I wish you all the best! Let us know what your doctors tell you.