Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?

So nice of you. I only have 1 9mm nodule, but I smoked 10 yrs ago. What are my chances that its cancer?

Good morning John. Although I am not a lung cancer patient I have experience with lung nodules, scans and biopsies. Breast Cancer was my primary diagnosis in April 2019. They did ALL the scans, body, MRI, CT before they needed a PET Scan to focus in on possible lung cancer due to "extensive nodules" (too many to county). I am a smoker. They decided on a needle biopsy (light sedation with the CT scanner guiding them to a larger nodule (23mm x 15). A tiny needle inserted between ribs and somehow they get a sample). It was painless and took only 1 hour from prep with a nurse to coming out of sedation. I forgot to mention, prior to biopsy I was told they'd try to get me 2 1/2 - 3 years (to live). I still have extensive nodules of unknown cause and don't know if they are cancerous (too small to biopsy). The larger one was an off-shoot of breast cancer. I am here 2 years and 8 months later, not really any worse off than 2019 (actually less nodules but I have cancer in my femurs from 2019 also that cause me to ache from time to time.) Don't google stuff. So much out-dated garbage on-line. I hope if you are biopsied it comes out benign, as many lung nodules I've been told are. I wish you a much better New Year.
Peggie

John- I have no idea how to measure this. You can google risk assessment but that won't give you a number based on your history.

As a former smoker,10 yrs ago, what are % for cancer of a 9mm nod

Oh, good. If you have any further concerns let us know.

Yes. I'm reading comments from people.

John- Are things any better?

Good morning John.

Please remember this: Statistics are not predictions. I can't tell you how many people are alive years after they were told that they wouldn't be because of statistics. People have cancer, people are different. I am a person and have lived far beyond the 18 months that were given to me as a survival statistic. October 3, 2021, was my 24th year survival anniversary from my first lobectomy. I have a radiologist who I had to continually remind that I wasn't a number. He said that numbers don't lie. I asked him "Then what was I?"

Has a PET scan been ordered yet? I would think, prior to a biopsy, that they would do one. You can ask your second doctor. You are right, biopsies can be dangerous. Everything that you cited about them can be true, however, sometimes they are not, and sometimes they are necessary. Mine went very well, with none of the things that you mentioned happening.

A three-month span for CT scans is very common to track any growth. Do you have the radiologist's report from this past scan? I suggest that you keep all of your written reports, even lab reports. I have used mine to compare back if I've needed to.

Even if you have been treated with antibiotics for several years you are at the very beginning of a much different journey. It will seem very confusing and scary. Please don't make it more so by reading statistics, odds, or anything else that has to do with the dreaded "WHAT IF" scenario. It will drive you nuts.

I hope that you will come back and tell me about your second opinion. I had one and was glad that I did. I live on the east coast and go to Mass General. I went to another major hospital in Boston for my second opinion. A team of doctors met with me. They agreed with my doctor and the team he put together for me: A chemotherapist, radiologist, and oncologist. I still have them. To me, it's worth going to a teaching hospital.

Have you thought of this?

New CT scan last month showed a 18mm cloudy, 9mm solid nodule, none in 3 prior scans over 3 yrs. Pulmonologist treating it as infection. Then 3 months do another CT..
A former smoker, 10 yrs ago, doc says 25% chance , not 3% , chance cancer.. knock it out with radiation if still there..
Opinion ??

I am 82 with COPD and three years in a row of CT scans ..this year a 18mm,cloudy, by 9mm solid nodule showed. Never prior years. Pulmonologist treated it as infection in past , said wait 3 months to CT again. Because I smoked 10 yrs ago, chances are 25% , not 3, that its cancer,; I'm getting a second opinion next week.
She also suggested a full body Scan to see if there are other nodules AND a biopsy..I read they are very dangerous unless absolutely necessary. ( collapse lung , difficult to do biopsy).
Please comment.
John Steller