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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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I dont know enough yet. March they do another CT to see if nodule is still there. Prayers.
Oh Mary, what a tough position to be in. Have you thought of a second opinion about this?
My petscan showed a hot, right axillary lymph node. Needle biopsy failed. It is a small size and the Dr wants an excisional biopsy. But the surgeon says he is unlikely to find it, since he cannot feel it and I would be looking at exploratory surgery. Getting an ultra sound of the area, but not sure he will be able to find it. Any common experience? (I have ground glass nodule in lung)
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1 ReactionVAT surgery is much easier on the patient than open thoracic surgery. Good for older people. I had a cancer removed end of December and went home after two days. They make three incisions on your side for camera and instruments. They go in between the ribs into your lung. They can see everything on a TV, so they do biopsies and remove cancer. Check out Mayo VAT surgery for lung cancer. And google the term. I came across one video which said that only 1/3 of thoracic surgeons do this surgery.
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1 ReactionJohn- There are all sorts of different types of surgeries that can be performed on the chest. VATS is one way to access cancer that does not involve opening up the chest and spreading ribs.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/video-assisted-thoracic-surgery/about/pac-20384922
Can I help you do some research? Do you have specific questions or do you not know what to ask? (like I was, and still sometimes don't!)
Merry
I had one and there weren't any problems. It was my first time with a major organ and I felt frantic. I was also introduced to versed. I was awake, on a gurney, partway into a CT scanner and as high as a kite. I had a great time. Oh, it was also in a hallway!
Please know that I'm not trying to make light of biopsies. They can be risky, but so much depends on the health of the person's lung, the position of the cancer nodule, and the technicians doing the procedure. I feel that I am so lucky to live in a time where such procedures are not only possible but are done as a matter of routine.
I wish you the best of luck. But most of all, how are you feeling about the risks?
I did not do stent because I was in middle of workup for lung mass. Cardiologist said it was OK to put me on medication to treat blockage while I determine what is lung problem. That is not the same medication one has with stent placement. Antiplatelet therapy is required for 6 or more months and cannot be interrupted. For lung surgery they only had me stop low dose aspirin and Lozol for one day. I kept taking the IMDUR and TOPROL XL and Atorvastatin.
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1 ReactionPlease be more specific..is this a special surgery that does not go into the lung specifically to the nodule? I dont understand
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1 ReactionI am 80 and I just did VAT Surgery on lung. I am doing well. Look for someone who does Video Assisted Thoracic surgery where they make just 3 incisions
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1 ReactionYes. I'll let you know. Thanks.
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