lung nodules

Posted by fotula @fotula, Apr 2, 2024

Has anyone been told they have lung nodules that were incidental findings while undergoing routine testing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

I walk around with 21 ground glass nodules discovered when I had a dry cough and a CT scan was ordered. This was about ten years ago. I have a scan every two years now as they haven't changed. It's still is scary to know I have these.

REPLY
@gussie

I walk around with 21 ground glass nodules discovered when I had a dry cough and a CT scan was ordered. This was about ten years ago. I have a scan every two years now as they haven't changed. It's still is scary to know I have these.

Jump to this post

I don't think, at this point, that you have a reason to be scared. It is great that you have a followup every to years

One radiologist told me "If we did a full-body CT of every adult, nearly 100% would show "significant anomalies" in some part of the body. It is the job of the radiologist to report each and every one of them in detail. And it is the job of the ordering doctor(s) to determine if the finding has any clinical significance."

Ground Glass Nodules can be caused by many things, but the fact that they are numerous and unchanged after 10 years probably indicates they are an "artifact" of an old lung infection or irritation.

By any chane, are you a former smoker or vaper (of any substance)?

REPLY
@sueinmn

I don't think, at this point, that you have a reason to be scared. It is great that you have a followup every to years

One radiologist told me "If we did a full-body CT of every adult, nearly 100% would show "significant anomalies" in some part of the body. It is the job of the radiologist to report each and every one of them in detail. And it is the job of the ordering doctor(s) to determine if the finding has any clinical significance."

Ground Glass Nodules can be caused by many things, but the fact that they are numerous and unchanged after 10 years probably indicates they are an "artifact" of an old lung infection or irritation.

By any chane, are you a former smoker or vaper (of any substance)?

Jump to this post

No to both. I have something called CVID or Common Variable Immuno depression. I don't make antibodies to viruses or bacteria to fight them so I do infusions of other people's blood plasma to get their antibodies. It's gamma globulin IgG. Sort of like the Boy in the Bubble disease but not as bad as his was. People like me have all sorts of weird things so not too surprised.

REPLY
@sueinmn

@fotula Hello, I popped in to say that lung nodules can mean many things - or nothing.
When a radiologist reads a CT, they report all of their "findings" to the doctor - not having the patient's medical history in had, they do not know what might be significant.

Some causes of nodules - "artifacts" of prior pneumonia, other lung infections or long-term exposure to substances like sawdust or paper dust, indication of a current infection, evidence of some lung conditions, and (rarely) cancer.

Your primary should be made aware of this CT, evaluate and refer you if necessary. The most usual approach with small nodules is "watch and wait" - with a repeat image in 3, 6 or 12 months depending on your other health issues and risks.

What did your provider have to say?
Sue

Jump to this post

It's a about half inch liason and would like a biopsy and a pet scan and I should wait to be tested and delay my trip but I feel I go and live my life and when I get appointment I fly back and get tested

REPLY
@larryg333

@fotula -- Hi. My wife has them too.

The goal of her treatment is to ensure they're not changing... so she gets yearly CT scans that provide good information on their current status. Depending on the type / status of the nodules, the scans may be ordered more frequently.

Don't know if you are / were a smoker. But it's certainly recommended that you not smoke (cigs or anything else), and avoid environments harmful to your lungs (second-hand smoke, or any other noxious fumes).

Good luck!

/LarryG

Jump to this post

Thank you

REPLY
@snuzq1

It's a about half inch liason and would like a biopsy and a pet scan and I should wait to be tested and delay my trip but I feel I go and live my life and when I get appointment I fly back and get tested

Jump to this post

Also said could be from previous infection or a sac of phlegm don't know till tested

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.