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Pulmonary nodule, don't know if cancer


Berry

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My husband (43, nonsmoker but raised in a smoking household) had a CT scan 9 months ago, looking for an abdominal hernia.  A 2mm nodule was discovered in his lower lung.  The doctor repeated the CT scan a couple weeks ago, just to recheck (knowing it was a very low-risk nodule), and it has grown to 4.6mm.

 

Assuming the measurement is accurate, that shows a doubling growth rate of 70 or 80 days.

 

I've looked around the web, and can't quite figure out if the growth rate (risky) is more important than the size (small, therefore less risky).  

 

Has anyone had a similar experience?  They say catching cancer early is good, but it feels as though we've caught something that is TOO early!

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Berry,

 

I can only answer based on my experience.  In the course of many CTs, radiologists reported the growth and reduction of many "nodules" in my lung and other organs.  This phenomena was especially acute if the interpreting radiologist was reviewing my scan for the first time.  Then all kinds of nodules were reported in lungs, liver and other organs.  A new radiologist interpretation was a nightmare to my oncologist who needed to wade through previous reports to separate the wheat (this is new) from the chaff (seen this before).  Also an issue was my general unfamiliarity with metric measurements.  I'd freak out on learning a previously discovered nodule of 2 mm grew to 4.6 mm before I converted these measurements to inches.  Then I'd realize how small these nodules really were - 2 mm = .0787 inches; 4.6 mm = .181 inches.  Neither of these dimensions can be easily discerned on a standard ruler.

 

Yes I've had this experience.  Yes catching lung cancer early is essential.  If this pattern continues, I see a PET-CT as a future test.  That will characterize the nodule as cancer or something else.

 

Stay the course.

 

Tom 

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Our family Dr. was intent on describing just how SMALL 2-4mm is.   :)  I am familiar with metric #s, so it's not a problem for me to understand this nodule is pea-sized.  

 

The knowledge that every 10cm (4 inch) tumor was once a tiny nodule does nothing to make me feel better that this nodule is tiny ;)

 

What does make me feel better is hearing you say that nodules can both grow and shrink .. so it's not necessarily a one-way street.  (Thank you!)

 

We're trying to get a pulmonologist onboard so if this nodule continues growing, we'll already be in a doctor's system that can lead to more accurate tests (like the PET).  If the current growth rate continues, this nodule will be 10mm (almost 1/2in) by next summer, large enough for accurate diagnostic tests.  

 

oh, and btw, I've learned that the initial radiologist review is worthless.  When reading his 2nd scan, the radiologist was wrong about which lung.. saying the first nodule disappeared, and a second one popped up in the other lung.. and that this "new one" was too small to worry about (which still may be true, but it's the growth rate that is most concerning us!).  

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Berry,

 

Not good news about the radiologist errors.  That kind of error would really "freak" me out!  Check your health insurance policy parameters.  Years ago, I was told my policy only allowed an oncologist to order PET scans.

 

I really hope it turns out to be nothing of concern.  

 

Stay the course.

 

Tom

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If this was me? I would run, not walk, to get a second opinion at a facility that has an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. He should be seen by a lung cancer specialist. Its my understanding that standard of care is that nodules should be followed every 2-4 months, with 3 months being most common.

Still though 4.6 mm is too small to biopsy. And there are so many things that can cause nodules ranging from allergens and infection or exposure to home or commercial fumes.

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Thanks for all the ideas.  We do have a local Cancer Center at our hospital, and one of the oncologists there is even in-network with our insurance (this has been proving to be a difficult finding, we usually have to travel an hour or more to find in-network specialists).  I'll run the idea by our primary care to just have him referred over there, bypassing the pulmonologist.

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Hi Berry,

Welcome to the LCSC message boards. It sounds like you have done quite a bit of research, however LUNGevity has a medically vetted website and is the go-to resource for those wanting to know more about lung cancer. Here is a good link to start with: http://www.lungevity.org/about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-101 If you have any questions about the website or support services that we offer please let me know. 

 

Cindy

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I myself recently had a CT Scan and nodules were found.  I was terrified since my husband passed from lung cancer 6 yrs ago.  My specialist informed me that not all nodules are cancer.  We ALL develop them as we age.  Plus I recently had pneumonia which is where they might have come from.  Anyway, we are going to re scan in another 3 months just to be safe.  Please let us know how things go.  ((hugs))

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  • 2 weeks later...

@michellep  I've continued my research, and came across (sorry, not sure where, now) someone who said that when multiple nodules are found it's usually consistent with an inflammatory process, rather than cancer.  (This was from a doctor, not chatroom).  I bet it's from your pneumonia, but {{hugs}} I know how scary that must be for you.

 

@Fran, take them up on the offer to see the Oncologist.  1cm is the perfect size to get a diagnosis and begin treatment (if necessary).  At the very least, "peace of mind" is invaluable :)

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