How do you deal with monitoring a lung nodule and anxiety?

Posted by pedals @pedals, Nov 15, 2023

I recently had an abdominal MRI for liver cysts which showed nothing of concern. However, it did show a 10mm “questionable nodular parenchymal opacity in the lower left lobe.” It recommended seeing a pulmonologist for a ct scan. I am waiting for an appointment with a pulmonologist who I saw before for a 2 mm nodule discovered in right middle lobe 5 years ago. This was followed and deemed stable. I struggle greatly with health anxiety so now I am thinking that this 10mm nodule is lung cancer. The radiologist’s use of the word “questionable” is putting my anxiety over the top. Any thoughts?

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dave58 | @dave58 | Feb 11 1:44pm

Hello I am dealing with a similar situation I have had a right lower centrally located pulmonary nodule was accidently noticed 4 years ago when I had gotten a CT for my CAD it was 3 mm then I also have a few more nodules but doctors are only concerned about the right lower one that now is 12 mm semi solid lobulated spiculated dr says it will not be easy to acess but not impossible either for a Bronchosopy biopsy as of now i am scheduled to get this biopsy end of this month honestly i am scared to do the procedure and scared to not do it for fear of malignancy I am boarderline thinking about canciling the procedure just because it is risky complications of heart disease and i will need to be put under for this one so yes these things are stressful good luck with your situation wishing you the best of luck .

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Feb 11 4:15pm

@dave58
I went through the same last year. I also had a nodule that was followed for 2-3 years, stable in size until last year. Chest CT showed that it had grown some and now had the appearance of adenocarcinoma.
It was discovered just before I was going to get a new aortic valve.
As soon as I recovered from the heart surgery I was cleared to have bronchoscopy biopsy that confirmed the adenocarcinoma diagnosis. It was stage 1 and I was treated with radiation in the fall. Follow up CT so far was good.
Don’t be afraid having a biopsy done. Did you speak to the pulmonary doctor about your concern?
Also, check with your cardiologist about having it done.
I feel very lucky that it was discovered so early.
I was not under very long- quick procedure.
Don’t cancel!

pb50 | @pb50 | Feb 11 4:18pm

You mentioned it was centrally located.. is that center of your torso or center of one of your lungs? Could make a difference in terms of risk of biopsy.

363 | @363 | Feb 12 10:58am

In reply to @abartels "My last MRI was on 12/1/2023. The size is very concerning." + (show)

What are the Dr's next plans with this size being 2.9 cm.

dave58 | @dave58 | Feb 13 9:37am

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@dave58 I went through the same last year. I also had a nodule that was followed..." + (show)

Thank you for the encouragement I know I need to just chill and do it and I will its just heavy on my brain . The surgical pulmonologist explained to me this nodule will be difficult to get to its in the center of the right lower lobe doctor explained he will follow the main airway as far as he can then he will need to punch thru lung material for the last part the radiology notes state high risk for malignancy along with this I am also dealing with autoimmune things thank you for encouraging me to get this done hope and pray you are doing good at this time also .

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Feb 13 10:16am

In reply to @dave58 "Thank you for the encouragement I know I need to just chill and do it and..." + (show)

@dave58
It’s not fun to look forward to but it has to be done.
Yours will be early stage too, better treatment options.
I had the option to have surgical removal and radiation. In my case success rate was the same. I chose radiation.
As long as you trust your doctors, you will be fine.
I would appreciate if you can keep us up to date!

dave58 | @dave58 | Feb 13 11:03am

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@dave58 It’s not fun to look forward to but it has to be done. Yours will..." + (show)

I am taking it one step at a time I think the nodule could be autoimmune thing also but yes the biopsy will verify what exactly is the deal I did have a melanoma on my rt shoulder removed 20 years ago caught that way early so that was good and a squamous cell carcinoma on my back like 2 years ago which I believe is a pretty common thing likely not related to this but yes I will let you know in about 3 weeks I will just put all my trust in God my kids are still young so I have lots of unfinished business Ha Ha thank you & God Bless

pb50 | @pb50 | Feb 13 4:18pm

In reply to @dave58 "I am taking it one step at a time I think the nodule could be autoimmune..." + (show)

In my absolutely worthless unprofessional feedback, I would say time is wasting. 2.9cm is substantial, the imaging report describes it as high risk, and you have had two previous malignancies. I echo others here suggesting you get it done cowboy. Soon.