6mm round solid lung nodule

[bang]

Hello Everyone,

Two weeks ago I had incidental CT scan and a 6mm round solid nodule found in my Lingula. I met the Pulmonary doctor today and we will have a CT in 6 months (November). I used to be a smoker and quite about 5 years ago. The doc says it is a low chance for a cancer and cannot say much until we get the CT scan again. And I asked him if it grows, can it be removed?. He said yes by open the chest. I have some questions:

1. Is it not possible to do the VAT because the location is in Lingula? 

2. Has anyone here has same experience?

3. Has anyone had similar situation and found out after few CTs that the nodule is not growing?

4. Any recommended lung cancer doctor in Houston Texas?

Many thanks.

 

 

[Judy M2]

I can only answer question #3:  I have a stable 5/6 mm nodule in my upper right lung. It has remained the same size after going through chemo, radiation and now targeted therapy. My oncologist has just been watching it. I get PET/CT scans every 3 months but a nodule of that size doesn't "light up" on a PET scan. As others here will tell you, nodules may or may not be cancerous. Let's hope yours isn't! 

[LexieCat]

Sounds like pretty standard, to me, to follow and re-scan in six months. Let's not get ahead of yourself lining up oncologists. The majority of nodules are not cancer and that is a VERY small nodule. It could sit there for the rest of your life and never cause any problems.

No clue about the lingula question--generally surgery involves lobectomy--removal of the entire lobe. And if they can do that with VATS I don't see why the location of the nodule would require an open surgery.

[Tom Galli]

Welcome here!

Lexie is right about a 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) nodule. It is small and at that size would be a hard target for a needle biopsy. Nodules happen for many reasons and here is my go to source of information about the various types and causes for lung nodules.

I wouldn't know about the surgical implications for a tumor in the lingual lobe of the left lung.

We don't provide information on physician referrals on this forum but Houston is the home of a very large and internationally recognized cancer center.

Stay the course.

Tom

 

[bang]

Thanks Judy, Lexie and Tom for the response. Much appreciated. Did the CT scan by any chance only covered the lower of my chest? I am hoping that they covered it all. I was got CT scan because I had an issue in my stomach. I am worried that they did not cover it all and only scan lower part only. 

[LexieCat]

No idea, but when it's re-scanned in a few months it will definitely include the whole lung area. The chances that something important was missed this time, based on this tiny nodule alone, seem pretty slim. 

[Judy M2]

If there were any question, I would think they would have at least ordered a chest Xray. That's how my adenocarcinoma was found. 

[LouT]

Bang

Regarding LINGULA...it is defined this way: "The lingula of the lung is a tongue-shaped region of the left lung" you can find the full definition here).  The left lung has two lobes because of the position of the heart, but the right one has three.  So, to answer your question; yes it can be addressed surgically.

If the nodule turns out to be cancerous (60% of nodules are non-cancerous) and nothing else is found then the doctor will likely anticipate a regular lobectomy and would decide along with the surgeon the approach that would be best (VATS, Robotic VATS, J-Hook).  But, please take it one step at a time.  You haven't been diagnosed yet.  Let's see what the nodule is.  In my case they delayed a second scan for over three months.  If a nodule does grow it could be more an indication of problems, but that is still not a definite sign of cancer, until your doctor completes all the necessary tests..  Work with your doctor, ask questions write things down.  Try to never leave the office without understanding everything you are told.  This is about your health and your life.  Make sure you are comfortable with everything before you leave an appointment.

Good luck and we'll be here if you need us.

Lou

[bang]

After reading number of posts I think I need to refine my introduction which was only focus on the 6mm lung nodule.

I had diarrhea for 4 days and went to an ER. They did CT scan and found a 6 mm lung nodule, mild wall thickening colon, bone lytic on my right hip and enlarged prostate. Now I am worried the worst which all could be due to a metastatic cancer. Other than diarrhea, I was ok, no blood found in stool, but feel cannot completely empty my bowel.

I met the Pulmonologist and he said will have another CT in 6 months, met orthopedic surgery that said looks it is a benign small tumor (5cm) and will see me again with another X-Ray in 3 months. Had my stool specimen being tested (no results released yet), and schedule for Colonoscopy in mid of June. Will see prostate doctor tomorrow. I was referred to specialist from the ER, but it seems like they just focus on their specialties without trying to put all in one if they are related. 

I am now worried that this is metastatic. Has anyone has similar situation like this? Please share with me. I feel ok now, not feel sick just feel cannot completely empty my bowel. 

[LexieCat]

Lung cancer does not tend to metastasize to the bowel/intestine, nor to the prostate. There are certain places it tends to go--to the bone, liver, brain, adrenal glands, and a few other places. But I've never heard of a lung metastasis to the intestine or prostate.

Six mm is TINY--it would be very, very unusual for a nodule that size--even if it's cancer--to metastasize to the extent where it could be seen or cause symptoms. The vast majority of lung nodules are benign.

I can't say what's going on with your intestines and prostate, but as far as the lung nodule is concerned, re-scanning in six months is standard procedure and reasonable.

[bang]

Thanks LexieCat. Hope all is good. And the colonoscopy turn out good too. Worried that this could be the main problem which spreads to lung and bone. Is that not the case if it has been spreading out then it should be already really bad in the central of the problem? 

[LexieCat]

There are many problems that could cause your symptoms--have them checked out but no need to assume the worst. They aren't necessarily related.

[ChiMama]

Hi bang - it's natural to have your mind go to all the "what ifs" but do try to remain calm and take one thing at a time. 💜  As Lexie says 6mm is TINY.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer 5 years ago and it was removed, stage 1, and I have now reached the all clear point with it.  At the time of that diagnosis, they also found a 8/9mm spot in my left upper lung.  Like your pulmonologist has with yours, it was put on the watch list and looked at in my regular scans.  Because even though lung cancer doesn't usually metastasize to the colon, colon cancer does tend to metastasize to the lungs and liver.  Four years later it grew 2mm and we did a biopsy that showed adenocarcinoma lung cancer - the good news being that it it was not a colon cancer spread.  That was also removed and fingers crossed I am good to go!

SO. It's great you're seeking information and support! Hopefully your journey will be uncomplicated and nothing to worry too much about. Get the colonoscopy and go from there.  When it comes time to do the prep, I can give you some tips to make it easier.  Also there's a great support group at The Colon Club: https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com

[bang]

Hi @ChiMama, Thank you so much for the information. 

Based on the stool test results I got a bacterial infection. The diarrhea has never came back so far and could not see any blood with my naked eyes on my stool. However the colonoscopy will be done still in 12 days. I met a doctor for my prostate and got tested for a prostate cancer and it was negative. Now my focus is on the colonoscopy. I feel unconformable in my jaw/neck. Is it something to do with the lymph node? Just worried that this might be too late or I just feel worried unnecessary. I am worried that this can be a stage III or more (Is it possible even I feel not really sick?)

[LouT]

Bang,

I could be wrong, but you may be letting your mind catastrophize symptoms that turn out not to be caused by cancer.  You really need to try and reel in your imagination and do a few things.  

1.  Learn about Lung Cancer.  You can do that by reading a blog called, "10 Steps to Surviving Lung Cancer; by a Survivor", you can find it here.

2.  Ask questions of your doctors about the symptoms and the most likely cause for them.  If you need to then write them down and have someone go with you to the appointments.  They can help you stay focused and may catch things that you miss because of emotions.

3.  Accept the fact that you need a diagnosis of cancer in order to have cancer.  I realize that you have fears, but you need to adopt a different approach or you will put yourself through a lot of misery that may not even have a basis in fact (and diagnosis).

I was a person who did to myself just what you appear to be doing to yourself and folks here helped me to focus on the facts and wait for results before I jump two steps ahead of the doctor.  Please try this approach for yourself.  I hope the nodule is like 60% of nodules and not cacncerous.

Lou

[bang]

Thanks @LouT

[Lisa L]

This same thing happened to me 2 1/2 years ago.  Random ct found 9mm nodule in lingula.  I got a pulmonologist immediately and he ordered a pet, mine is a bit bigger than yours so he felt pretty good that it didn’t light up at all. I have had a 6 month scan ever since, my last one being Jan. with no growth.  He said it’s probably benign or it’s growing so slow prob won’t even harm me the rest of my life, I’m 54. I will continue to get scanned yearly just as a precaution.  The reason I’m responding to this is because when I found out about this I freaked so hard and thought I was dead in 6 months, so I want to give you some hope and peace that you will get through this and you will be fine. Love and Light