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

Posted by felix536 @felix536, Aug 17, 2021

I have 3 lung nodules measuring 4mm, 6mm and 14 mm in three different lobes. Have had ct scans showing no change in 6 months and have another scan scheduled in three months per my pulmonologist. Should I get a second opinion from an Oncologist or wait it out? What are the chances of this being noncancerous?

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Profile picture for Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb

Felix- How are you holding up? What was the breathing interference with the test?

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Had a needle biopsy of 12mm nodule and came back positive for Invasive Adenocarcinoma, this is after watching and waiting for 11 mths. This was done at UCLA and surgery will be done there also. The nodule had not grown but was showing signs of hardening, which indicates cancer. The 4mm is unchanged and will be watched and the 6mm unchanged as well and there is a possibility that its a lymph node and not a nodule, they aren't sure. My options all along have been watch and wait, needle biopsy or surgical biopsy.
Surgery on March 8th and then follow up scans. Hoping for a wedge and not a full lobectomy. I hope this information may be helpful to others. Best to all!

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@dongshiming, you ask "Can I request a particular provider?" I can answer how it works at Mayo Clinic.
Appointment specialists are specially trained to match you with the provider or group that's the best fit for your diagnosis and medical history. But you may wonder if you can request a specialist that you've read about or who's been recommended by a friend or colleague. Mayo Clinic can't honor all requests, but we try to when possible.

You can read more on this page of Frequently Asked Questions https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/faq

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Yes, the Mayo appointment specialists are very good. I first called when I saw I had an unusual chest x-ray. They told me they were scheduling 3 months out but encouraged me to set up a patient account which I did. I had CT and PET scans done at my primary care provider clinic, and Mayo said to have actual scans sent and someone would get back to me within 48 hours. I was called the next morning. I made sure my PCP sent the actual scans immediately!

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Profile picture for felix536 @felix536

The nodule hasnt't grown in 11 months and the Petscan did not light up, however there was some breathing interference with the test so not entirely reliable. When faced with the options of waiting even longer, wedge or needle biopsy, I am choosing needle. How small was your nodule that they thought it to be too small to biopsy?

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Felix- How are you holding up? What was the breathing interference with the test?

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The nodule hasnt't grown in 11 months and the Petscan did not light up, however there was some breathing interference with the test so not entirely reliable. When faced with the options of waiting even longer, wedge or needle biopsy, I am choosing needle. How small was your nodule that they thought it to be too small to biopsy?

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My Dr ran a petscan after the third CT. None of the nodules lit up, not even the ground glass one. I did have one lymph node react, and the needle biopsy was meh. I am trying to get another ultrasound of that.

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Profile picture for felix536 @felix536

Pulmonologist recommended needle biopsy. I think the thoracic surgeon is recommending the wedge. Ventura pulmonologist seems to think it might be benign because of no growth (or maybe his hunch) and UCLA pulmonologist explains it as a weird shape with jagged edges and ground glass. Because she recommended the NB, maybe she thinks there is a chance it's an anomaly and not cancer. I really don't know what to do but thought this would be a less invasive procedure so would start there. Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated. Haven't scheduled it yet.

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My Dr said a needle biopsy of a ground glass nodule likely would be difficult, due to the lacey edges. However, mine is small, so that may be the issue.

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Thank you. MIne is a 12 or 14 in lower left and I have a needle biopsy scheduled for February 4th.

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Profile picture for felix536 @felix536

Do you mind if I ask the location and size of your nodule? And did you have a lobectomy? Thank you!

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It was 27 mm in the upper right lobe and the surgery was lobectomy. I don't know why they decided on the entire lobe instead of a wedge? I'd guess it was the location.

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Do you mind if I ask the location and size of your nodule? And did you have a lobectomy? Thank you!

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Profile picture for felix536 @felix536

I got a second opinion at UCLA for my 12mm nodule, lower left lung and have the option of wedge or needle biopsy and have decided on needle biopsy. There hasn't been any growth this past 11 months but there is some hardening on the outer edge and it is shaped so oddly and ground glass that they think something has to be done. I will share results with you once done. Anyone else had this done?

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Felix. In my case, a lung nodule was discovered and they did a three month follow up , Nodule had grown and a needle biopsy was completed. A needle biopsy was less traumatic than I thought it would be.. Most important though, it provided the evidence to determine a path forward. Mine was cancer. At that point they did a PET CT and brain MR to see my cancer was anywhere else. It wasn't and removal/ lung surgery was recommended and completed. Looking back, each step was troubling, but now understand the purpose behind the steps and direction the doctors took.
I'm guessing, but if the needle biopsy results would have been better and were not of concern, they would have wanted another CT in six months and monitor for any changes.
Good luck........Keep us updated. Thanks.

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