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

Nobody can tell you what your chances are. What I can tell you is that literature I was given by the doctor when they first spotted something going on in my lungs stated that most often these nodules were benign. Mine wasn't but it was from breast cancer, not my smoking. I'd like to say your chances are pretty good with 1- 9mm nodule that even if it were it should be highly treatable, but I'm not a doctor. I had a co-worker who passed in her early 30's from lung cancer and didn't smoke a day in her life, nor did her husband. Sometimes things just happen, and sometimes they don't. I wish you well and try to relax. At least you are looking into it. I wasted months of worry when I should have been getting checked out.

John- Check this chart out it might help you find a preliminary answer. There is a lung cancer meme that says that if you have a lung, you can get lung cancer. If you smoke you have a better chance. But not everyone gets cancer.
https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/incidental-pulmonary-nodules-a-summary-of-the-2017-fleischner-society-guidelines/
For how long did you smoke? Did you quit 10 years ago?

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?