mdsum1 Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 I had a CT done last July and they found a small nodule in my lung. Radiologist suggest long term 3-4 month CT to watch for growth. I had another CT in October which they said was okay. Just got results from a week ago that the nurse said showed slight progression in the lesion. I was okay with the nodule being there as I believed it to be scar tissue from a severe case of chicken pox pneumonia I had 16 years ago. They have scheduled me an appointment with a pulmonary specialist next week. I guess I was wondering if it could still just be scar tissue...does scar tissue keep growing? I'm also wondering exactly what is going to happen at the pulmonary Drs when I go for that appointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 I do not think that scar tissue can display any growth, but I do know there can be some difference from scan to scan that may appear as very slight growth or shrinkage. The hardest part is the waiting. Wishing you the best. jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazy Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 I don't know if this will be of any help, but I too, am on the 3 month "nodule watch" plan I know that a change in size on CT of 1mm, give or take, can be considered a normal variation from scan to scan. My understanding is that nodules that double in volume (an increase of 28% of the diameter, I believe) in less than 30 days are most likely acute inflammatory process, while those that double in a timeframe of 30-450 days are more likely to be malignancies. Other indicators on CT might be lack of calcification in the lesion, etc. Granulomas, and other benign nodules normally grow more slowly (more than 450 days) and often are calcified, indicating a past response to a lung infection. Depending on the size/location/appearance, etc. of your nodule, your Pulmo. may want to perform a bronchoscopy, a needle biopsy, or perhaps even a resection to determine the nature of your lesion. Or, he may suggest a PET scan. Your initial Pulmo. visit will most likely involve a pulmonary function test (a PFT - easy, and painless ) as well as a review of your films, reports, etc. I know only too well how scary this can be - hopefully they will get it figured out soon, and all will be fine! I will be following your story, as I seem to do with all those who are still in the wait, and watch mode. Wishing you all the best! Stacey P.S. Have you visited Arizona, or any other Southwestern states in the last few years? If so, ask your Pulmo. about a nasty fungus in the soil called Coccidioidomycosis (aka Valley Fever) It causes nodules that mimic LC. I ask because many Dr.'s outside of AZ are not familiar with the disease, and may mis-diagnose as cancer. Just my extra "two cents" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 Scans do vary at times.Wishing you the best and hope it is scar tissue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 I just had a CT last week. Dr called and told me that they noted the "scar tissue area" had thickened and they wanted to re scan in 6 months. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 I have had a Nodule for the last 2-1/2 years in my right and only lung. It started out being 4mm, then 4 months later it went to 6mm, then 4 months later it went to 5mm, etc. etc. etc. back and forth. Well, I just had a CT done a couple weeks ago and my nodule is now 7mm or is it 8mm None the less, I will have another CT done in Oct and we will continue to watch this little bugger. My Pulm Doc is the one that is keeping a close eye on it. He not only reads the report of my CT scan, he insists on seeing the scan as well. Do you have lung cancer? I guess I don't remember you posting. Good Luck, Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richinsdakota Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 Also; Ive heard it is difficult to determine exact size from one scan to another, as the spiral CT takes "slices" of the area...if the slice cuts one end, vs the middle..size will vary, etc. I guess this is sometimes a factor in varying size estimates. Id "ask the experts" above, tho, for prof. info. Good luck...Rich B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdsum1 Posted May 25, 2005 Author Share Posted May 25, 2005 Thanks everyone. I'm pretty sure it will turn out okay. Connie, I joined the group last July when they were trying to determine if nodules they found in my Dads lungs were a second primary cancer or mets from colo/rectal cancer. Turned out they were mets and my Dad passed away in August. I wish I had found a board this great for colon cancer. As it turns out my SIL was diagnosed with stage IIIB NSLC last November. I've only posted a couple of times but I read all of the posts and follow the progress of everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 Oh I'm sorry to hear you lost your dad. I am glad to hear you find comfort and information here that is very helpful to you and your family. How is your SIL doing if you don't mind my asking? I noticed you joined our board last year, but I honestly couldn't remember your posts. Stay with us and let us know about your NODULE! They are bothersome pain in the rears is what they are! They just keep us on the edge of our seats. Best wishes, Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdsum1 Posted May 27, 2005 Author Share Posted May 27, 2005 Connie, My SIL did'nt do well with the 3 days of chemo she had and ended up in the hospital for 8 days due to blood counts and dehydration so they scraped the chemo. She did get 30 radiation treatments and that has shrunk the tumor by 50% which is good. She finished radiation 2/22 but is still having problems eating due to pain and she has to go to the hospital to be hydrated 1 to 2 times a week. The Drs haven't mentioned what they plan to do in the future and my SIL prefers not to ask about future treatment plans so I guess we'll take it step by step. Thanks for asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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