Looking for info on these results
I do have a follow up next week with pulmonary. But in the meantime.. ..my mind is wandering.
CT thorax with contrast
Lower Neck and Axillae: Normal.
Pulmonary arteries: Normal.
Heart: Normal.
Coronary Artery Calcification: None.
Aorta: Normal.
Mediastinum: Normal.
Lungs and Airways: Normal.
Pleural Space: In the posterior pleura in the right lower chest there is a nodular density measuring about 7 mm and 24 Hounsfield units of doubtful clinical significance.
Soft Tissues: Normal.
Bones: Normal for age.
Upper Abdomen: Normal.
Additional Findings: None.
IMPRESSION:
Minimal nodular pleural thickening on the right of doubtful clinical significance. No parenchymal consolidative opacities are seen.
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I’m no expert but looks like very good results. Key statements are “of doubtful clinical significance.” That usually means no red flags and they’ll continue to monitor. Remember early detection is always the optimal approach. There are no “Recommended Actions” where they have an indication of disease.
Your oncologist will interpret and confirm.
@funkennyg, I'm guessing that you are new to all of this, and haven't previously been diagnosed with lung cancer previously, is that correct? Any abnormal finding can be worrisome. Try to focus on the good; the density noted on your report is small, it's not unusual for people to have lung nodules, and they are mostly non-cancerous. In the Impression of the report (the summary), it's noted as pleural thickening, not even a defined nodule. Your doctor has taken a good next step and referred you to pulmonology. The pulmonologist will read the radiologist's report and will be a second opinion on what they are seeing in the CT scan. Take a deep breath, we're here to help. Was the CT ordered as part of a lung screening?
CT was ordering due to shortness of breath and pain with deep inhale. The pain with breathing and shortness of breath is new in the last 3 weeks. Over 2 months ago I started experience what feels like vertigo. Over the last year I've been having problems with double vision/ghosting and new floaters without any cause and I've been to a few ophthalmologists.
Previous smoker and even now I'm a stress smoker. Dad died of lung cancer at 60. He was a very very heavy smoker. I was also exposed to second hand smoke.
I have deep crackles with inhale and pain deep in the RUQ. It's been 2 years of this.
Pulmonologist is Friday with a pulmonary function test and then meeting with the doctor.
I guess I'm confused where this is actually located. Sounds like it's on the outside layer of the pleura and located right where I feel the pain and crackles which feel like a grating sound.
I had a CT June last year that showed nothing. And an X-ray 3 weeks ago that came back clean. So either it was missed or not there.
And no, I'm never been diagnosed with anything so this is new. Doubtful clinical significance isn't reassuring because it can always become significant.
I'm 47 years old. Having a hard time sleeping due to stress of this.
@funkennyg, thanks for the additional information. It's helpful to have the perspective of what you are experiencing. The vertigo, lung crackle and pain that you describe would concern me too, not specifically for cancer, but I'm glad you have a doctor involved. Hopefully they will be able to compare the latest CT with the CT from last year and answer some of your questions. Two radiologists can interpret scans differently, so having the pulmonologist pull up the scans side by side may help to see any changes in that specific area. It's good that there aren't notations of larger masses or fluid. They haven't noted any enlarged lymph nodes either. That's all good.
None of us are doctors, but nearly all of us here have experienced the fear that comes with questions about a CT report. It's not easy, and it will be a long week for you. Try to focus on the positives. Are there coping mechanisms that have gotten you through difficult times in the past? Anything that may take your mind off of this, even for a short time?
Meeting with a friend, watching a movie, taking a walk.
hello @funkennyg - I can understand feeling anxious about these results, especially with your dad's lung cancer history. one thing I can clarify for you is that CT imaging is more precise than Xray - so it can detect smaller findings that Xrays won't show. whatever diagnosis you receive, it's very good that you are following up on your symptoms and that they have found this nodule at a small size. let us know what your pulmonologist says. and in the meantime try to take your mind off of worrying - I like watching funny/riveting tv shows when I need to distract my mind.