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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felix536 | @felix536 | Jan 23, 2022

Good information. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely mention this at time of scheduling appointment.

felix536 | @felix536 | Jan 22, 2022

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.

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @dedehans "Yes. The test is way beyond a typical biopsy. Foundation Medicine is (I think) a branch..." + (show)

I think one must be stage IV to qualify for this test. Not sure.

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "I'm not questioning where you had yours done. But perhaps her doctor's practice used another. There..." + (show)

Yes. The test is way beyond a typical biopsy. Foundation Medicine is (I think) a branch of Mass General Hospital....

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @dedehans "I am no expert but Foundation One Medicine is the place I had mine done.....One in..." + (show)

I'm not questioning where you had yours done. But perhaps her doctor's practice used another. There are many and the main point is to get it tested! Right?

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "@dedehans- Wouldn't the doctor send her samples for testing to a place of his choosing, or..." + (show)

I am no expert but Foundation One Medicine is the place I had mine done.....One in MA, one in WA or OR I think....They overnight the tissue from the biopsy or surgery. It's a unique test that isn't done everywhere. https://www.foundationmedicine.com/search?q=lung+cancer

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @dedehans "I too am curious as to why the needle biopsy vs wedge. Whichever you decide be..." + (show)

@dedehans- Wouldn't the doctor send her samples for testing to a place of his choosing, or his hospital's choice?

dedehans | @dedehans | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @felix536 "I got a second opinion at UCLA for my 12mm nodule, lower left lung and have..." + (show)

I too am curious as to why the needle biopsy vs wedge. Whichever you decide be sure to have tissue sent to Foundation One medicine pathology for biomarker testing to determine your further course of treatment....

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 22, 2022

In reply to @felix536 "I got a second opinion at UCLA for my 12mm nodule, lower left lung and have..." + (show)

Felix- Good morning. I will be interested to hear why you chose a biopsy instead of complete removal?

tessa2 | @tessa2 | Jan 21, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "Good morning- It seems that between every 3 months and 6 months are the norms for..." + (show)

Oh my goodness! I do the same thing. Kept all paper scan reports, blood work etc. my file is bursting! I too write down all questions for docs and if word I don’t know meaning of I google it. I have learned so much being my own advocate. I can talk the talk. I wonder what the docs think of me sometimes. Often feel that they don’t like their patients being sometimes more up to date on their illness than they are. Take care! Kathy