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

Hi John, thank for the additional information. I think you’ll find this information from Veterans Affairs to be really helpful in answering some of the questions you have:
- Small Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know https://www.prevention.va.gov/docs/NodulesWhatYouNeedtoKnow.pdf

The article states:
“A nodule is generally considered small if it is less than 9 mm.”
“ Should I worry that I have a small nodule?
Usually a small nodule (less than 9 mm) is not a cancer, but it still could be an early cancer. The best ways to tell if a small nodule is possibly cancer are by:
1. Seeing how it looks on the LDCT scan, and
2. Seeing whether it grows over time.”
“ Most small nodules are not early lung cancer. Fewer than 5 percent of small nodules, or 5 out of 100, turn out to be cancer.”

I can imagine that you’re concerned. But it is comforting to know that 9mm is still considered small and that 95% of small nodules are not cancer. It’s also good that this was discovered and that your doctor is monitoring the situation closely. I’d like to bring @merpreb and @sueinmn into this conversation as they have experience with lung nodules and can perhaps help with what questions you might want to ask your doctor.

Hi John, thank for the additional information. I think you’ll find this information from Veterans Affairs to be really helpful in answering some of the questions you have:
- Small Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know https://www.prevention.va.gov/docs/NodulesWhatYouNeedtoKnow.pdf

The article states:
“A nodule is generally considered small if it is less than 9 mm.”
“ Should I worry that I have a small nodule?
Usually a small nodule (less than 9 mm) is not a cancer, but it still could be an early cancer. The best ways to tell if a small nodule is possibly cancer are by:
1. Seeing how it looks on the LDCT scan, and
2. Seeing whether it grows over time.”
“ Most small nodules are not early lung cancer. Fewer than 5 percent of small nodules, or 5 out of 100, turn out to be cancer.”

I can imagine that you’re concerned. But it is comforting to know that 9mm is still considered small and that 95% of small nodules are not cancer. It’s also good that this was discovered and that your doctor is monitoring the situation closely. I’d like to bring @merpreb and @sueinmn into this conversation as they have experience with lung nodules and can perhaps help with what questions you might want to ask your doctor.

What are % of cancer in 9mm nodule

3 yrs in row CT scan , first time 9 mm solid ,18mm cloudy nodule.
Dr treatment is antibiotics for 1 week thinks infection..
3 more months CT to see if gone

Hi John, welcome to the group. You said that a week ago you were diagnosed with an 8mm solid nodule in your right lung. How was the nodule found? Have you had a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous or not?

I look forward to learning more about you and to the questions you have.

I have an appointment with new PCP, because of course mine retired, on the 7th. I have a trip planned for April, so will try to get it done well before then. I have MCTD, so can take awhile to heal.

I dont know where to ask a new question to Dorector. 1 week old diagnosis of an 8mm solid nodule in right lung.

@marye2- Good morning. It sounds as if you have everything at hand here. Lungs are pretty dicey when it comes to biopsies and nodules and all of the organs that they are close to. I've had to forgo biopsies for those reasons also. An auxiliary lymph node is a lymph node in the armpit that drains the lymph from the breast area and other surrounding areas.

When will the biopsy be done?

They are usually very slow-growing, Mary. Over a number of years (at least 14 years I can't tell you how many have come and gone in me. I've had several zapped with radiation and 3 removed through surgery.

The one problem among many with lung cancer is making sure that even if there is only one tiny, bitsy lesion, the minuscule cancerous legion should be followed up with a CT scan, at least, once a year for life. I know, I know for life sounds outrageous but once you have cancer there will always be a chance that there will be more.

And what has been said before, a second opinion is always better. I had one but it turned out to be a team of doctors and all followed what my surgeon said and recommended. It's been about 4 or 5 years since my last cancer and he still follows me from my first adenocarcinoma that he removed 24 years ago this past October. At least once a year we have a meeting and a zoom meeting after every CT scan.

They are usually very slow-growing, Mary. Over a number of years (at least 14 years I can't tell you how many have come and gone in me. I've had several zapped with radiation and 3 removed through surgery.

The one problem among many with lung cancer is making sure that even if there is only one tiny, bitsy lesion, the minuscule cancerous legion should be followed up with a CT scan, at least, once a year for life. I know, I know for life sounds outrageous but once you have cancer there will always be a chance that there will be more.

And what has been said before, a second opinion is always better. I had one but it turned out to be a team of doctors and all followed what my surgeon said and recommended. It's been about 4 or 5 years since my last cancer and he still follows me from my first adenocarcinoma that he removed 24 years ago this past October. At least once a year we have a meeting and a zoom meeting after every CT scan.