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SUV max scores for lung nodules and lymph nodes?
Husband, 59 yrs old, felt off from a long-lasting summer sinus infection, about a month ago, got a heart/lung CT scan. Shocked to discover he has 2 lung nodules in upper right and 1 lower left, all just over 1 cm. The lower left lung nodule is spiculated. Because hubby is sensitive to allergies, occasional asthma attacks, and that recent sinus infection (with drainage and coughing), pulmonologist said the right lung nodules might just be inflammation, and to wait a month for inflammation to recede, then get a PET scan.
Hubby recovered from the sinus infection, now feels fine, no breathing symptoms or discomfort. Got the PET scan last week, all nodules do have mild hypermetabolic activity, SUV max scores of 2.7-2.9. But also, several enlarged thoracic lymph nodes (1.1-1.5cm), with SUV max of 6.1, 7.3 right paratracheal, 8.0 left hilar. Is this lymph node situation indicative of likely malignancy metastasis? I am just reading the report and looking up the terminology, etc. and this is what I am seeing.
We see pulmonologist again in a few days to discuss PET scan results, biopsy possibilities, etc. We are trying not to freak out like we did when we first got the CT scan results (ok, I am def. freaking out inside, just not in front of him), but this seems bad, no? Nodules with hypermetabolic activity in both lungs, lymph node activity on both sides, what are we likely facing here? [I would love get some insight as to what questions to ask the Dr., also maybe to hear a story from someone with similar scan results who is doing fine.]
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The spiculated nodule is probably what is making it urgent. I had a spiculated mass and they called me within 30 min of test to start scheduling things. I was told spiculated is almost always cancer. Mine was confirmed with biopsy and had right upper lobe removed
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1 ReactionHello everyone, especially thanks to Mateo and Susie for your well-wishes and reassuring responses. I'm so sorry for the difficult times you've both been through, but I admire the way you've bounced back stronger in life. I'm an only child, and my mom is my best friend; she means everything to me, and I don't want her to suffer; I couldn't bear to lose her. She's scheduled for a fiberoptic bronchoscopy next week so we can move forward with the surgery. I've read the statistics about spiculated nodules, but I was trying to hold on to the belief that it could be something more. Perhaps that's what we all want to believe when we're going through this. Having been browsing the forum for over a month, I know many people have been through very difficult times, but I think only you know how you truly feel when you're going through something like this.
Could you tell me about your experiences after the lobectomy? I've read that many people experience a lot of pain despite painkillers. My mother is overweight and very sedentary, also due to our circumstances (housing, city, etc.), and I'm worried that the postoperative period will be painful or dangerous for her. I try to talk to the doctors, but it's not easy; they don't always have time, and it's understandable given our healthcare system. We've asked for second opinions, but we can't opt to have the procedures performed elsewhere; our insurance only covers one. Thank you for keeping us in mind and for your good wishes. We trust and have faith that they always reach us in the form of love, even if it's from the other side of the world. Love and lots of hugs,
Melisa.
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