CT of Chest question

[Patb]

I had a CT scan of chest, lung area yesterday.
Report said one tiny pulmonary nodule in upper
lobe which would require follow up evaluation in
six months. My Dr. did not even mention it when
he called and he said everything was ok. I always
get the written report and saw this. Is there anyone
who knows about this and what could be done if
anything for follow up? Thanks for any information.
Test are so stressful but I did ask for the scan of
chest, abdomen, and pelvis. This is my two year
anniversary since bc surgery and I felt it was time
for a check-up.
patb

[ElaineM]

Hi,
Good for you getting copies of all your tests. I don't know what the problem is, but if the prescribing doctor doesn't tell you what that means you might want to ask another doctor. That is what I do.

[PinkGirl]

I had two small nodules show up on a CT scan. They are in my right lung, same side as the cancer.

I had a CT scan 3 months later and they had
not changed in size. 3 months later, I had another
CT scan and they are still the same size.

I did not have radiation so they are not from that.
My onc. thinks they are probably from previous lung
infections (bronchitis).

[chrisy]

Pink girl is right. This nodule could be from before and have nothing to do with cancer. Most lung nodules are nothing to worry about. If it's tiny, it would probably not be evaluable on a PET scan, so the follow up you would expect is to repeat the CT scan and see if there are any changes.

Tests are stressful, but try not to worry. Your doctor doesn't seem worried, take that as a good sign.

[MJo]

I also have one tiny lung nodule. I've questioned the oncologist about it. His answer "I've seen a lot of those. It's nothing to worry about."

[lynnw]

Hi,
Just wanted to share that I have two small lung nodules being monitored since October 2006. I've had several repeat CTs, at 3 and then 6 month intervals, and there has been no change. I will have one more CT, but my onc and the radiologist attribute the nodules to radiation.
Take care,
Lynn W

[nitewind]

Hi Pat, just wanted to chime in here with the other girls. I had my scan done a few monthes ago and it showed something on my upper right lobe (cancer side). My doc said we would keep and eye on it but he didn't seem worried. He and my onc said this happens a lot with radiation. Try not to worry to much, your doctor will keep track of it.
Hugs

[TSund]

Ruth also has tiny nodules showing on CT scan that they say is probably past or present infection. Sometimes happens with chemo I guess. They say no sign of cancer, thank goodness, but they have postponed her port removal, I suppose on that small chance that it is something else. Ugh. Hate the wondering. She will be scanned again in July.

[Jean]

Hi Pat,
Me too! Have been watching a tiny nodule which has not changed in three years.

Best of luck!
Jean

[Patb]

Thanks Jean I will be scanned again in September.
My problem is that I wanted to be scanned before
any treatment as a baseline but it wasn't protocol.
Therefore they do not know how long it has been
there. Take care.
patb

[Joan M]

Hi Pat,

As mentioned in my PM, it would probably be okay to wait until September if you're comfortable with that.

Even though we get guidance from our oncologists, we also have to go with what feels right for us, and each of us will vary in how we feel.

Best, Joan