Nodule?

@blue717 This is easier said than done, but you need be only mildly concerned while you and your docs figure this out. For most people, lung nodules are benign, unless there is already a cancer history and concern that it may signal a return of lung cancer or cancer metastasized from elsewhere in the body.

May I ask if this was an "incidental finding" when a CT was done for a different reason, or whether it was specifically a lung CT looking to diagnose a problem? Was the size of the nodule noted?

The reason for asking is that radiologist reports all observations on a scan, even those small or unrelated to the original reason for the scan. Then it is up to your doctor, looking at your total health history, to determine whether it is cause for further exploration.

Many lung nodules are indicators of a past or present lung infection. Do you have a history of lung infections, or have you recently had pneumonia or Covid? Do you have a lung condition like COPD or Bronchiectasis?

Until you can talk to the doctor, please take a deep breath and assume the best - that it is an artifact of an infection.

Once you do talk, don't be upset if they say "let's watch and wait, repeat the scan in 3 (or 6) months to see if is changed." This is the normal protocol if there is not high suspicion of cancer and the nodule is small. Very small nodules are very difficult to biopsy successfully, so watching via image is common. Another common follow-up test is a PET scan - if there is suspicion of infection, this is not a definitive test because both infections and cancer will cause the area to "light up" in the scan and the doctor still won't know what it is.

What doctor called about the results? Have you scheduled a follow-up appointment yet?

@sueinmn I can't thank you enough for your kind and informative note. Yes, it was found incidentally during a standard chest X-ray. The size listed is 1.5 x 1.4 cm. I have no lung problems and quit smoking about 15 years ago. This was not present on an X-ray in December 2025. I'm 74 years old and trying not to go up the wall crazy, but on a good note, my blood work was wonderful! Thank you again. Pep talks are always welcome!

I had a CT scan 6 years ago on my lungs due to repeated respiratory infections and cough. A small nodule was noted and attributed to infections and bronchitis. It was too small to show up on subsequent x-rays. Last year after radiation treatments on left breast, I developed a severe, chronic cough. Had a CT scan, showed same nodule, no change with 2 new ones. Diagnosed with chronic bronchiectasis which probably caused the new ones. Not cancerous. But be proactive and have it checked at least yearly.

Good morning. Dealing with same thing. I had pneumonia twice, 2 nd time did CT and saw pneumonia and 2cm X 1cm “mass”. They can’t rule out whether it was just part of the pneumonia or not however, I am going to Mayo Clinic at the end of May to get it all checked out.(have some other issues I need to deal with too medically). I say all this to say I know that stress that you’re feeling maybe similar to mine. It’s crazy making plus I’m still so I’m not recovering from pneumonia. I’m 71 years old. Trying to become around my family who doesnt really know what’s going on. I only told my husband. No need to worry everybody unless there’s something to worry about! Anyway, I feel for you and hang in there, we can take one step at a time. I tell myself I’ll deal with anything that comes along…hugs..

*still recovering from pneumonia*