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Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?
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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Felix- How are you holding up? What was the breathing interference with the test?
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1 ReactionThe 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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1 ReactionMy 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.
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.
Thank you. MIne is a 12 or 14 in lower left and I have a needle biopsy scheduled for February 4th.
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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1 ReactionDo you mind if I ask the location and size of your nodule? And did you have a lobectomy? Thank you!
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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3 ReactionsGood information. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely mention this at time of scheduling appointment.
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.