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Q: 

What are lung nodules?

By Anonymous October 27, 2011 - 12:15pm
 
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I recently had my 2nd lung CT. I had the first in 2007 after my sister was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer. In addition my dad, his sister, her daughter and another of my dad's sisters developed the disease. My dad, my sister and my aunt had quit smoking more than 15 yrs prior. My other aunt had never smoked and my cousin was still a smoker. Everyone died except my aunt that never smoked. Now my younger brother,54 and still a smoker, was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer and he's very sick. I insisted on another CT scan after my brother was diagnosed. Here are the findings. Both scans were done without contrast.

Findings: There is a tiny subpleural nodule measuring 3-4 mm in size in the posterior aspect of the left upper lobe on image # 13, stable since the prior examination. Both lungs are otherwise clear...

Impression: Stable tiny 3-4 mm in size subpleural nodule in the left upper lobe stable since the 2007 examination consistent with a benign findings.

My Dr. reported the exam was stable, with no other info.

On the internet I read that there are doctors who think a nodule is the first stage of cancer.

What, if anything should I do next. I'm 61 yrs. old and quit smoking 28 yrs ago. I smoked less than a half pack a day.
Thank you,

Dana Fraley

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHER and Thanks for your question. You definitely have a strong family history of Lung cancer in your family. I can imagine your concerns of the findings in your CT. A nodule shows up on about one in every 500 chest X-rays. Normal lung tissue surrounds this small round or oval solid overgrowth of tissue. It may be a single or solitary pulmonary nodule. Or, you may have multiple nodules. Your lung nodule is more likely to be benign if:
You are younger than 40.
You are a nonsmoker.
There is calcium in the nodule.
The nodule is small.
When compare to your older CT in 2007, the findings are the same in shape and size. That's why your doctor wasn't concerned. But it's always good to keep monitoring and watch for any symptoms.

Here are some links that can help.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/lung-cancer
Best,
Daisy

October 27, 2011 - 2:56pm
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