subpleural nodule

jessiesmom1 said:

Subpleural Lung Nodule

I can only imagine how scared you must be. We all look forward to reaching the magic 5 year mark and somehow feel nearly invincible if we get there. Now a wrench has been thrown into the works.

Apparently lung nodules are not uncommon. Non-cancerous nodules are often caused by previous infection and do not require any treatment. You mentioned chronic allergies and sinus infections (but not lung infections). Nodules are usually 5mm - 30mm so yours is certainly on the lower end. The larger nodules (ie. 30mm) are more likely to be cancerous than the smaller nodules. More imaging is definitely in order but I question why the CT wouldn't even be ordered until January. Depending on your insurance and availability of CT in your community your wait could be even more prolonged. I would be requesting a MUCH sooner imaging appt whether it be PET, CT or PET/CT, or MRI. Do you have any previous imaging studies to which you can compare the upcoming imaging? It is always important to note if the size, shape or location has changed over a given period of time. A mammogram is a good diagnostic tool but it does not include any views of the lungs and that is the location of your nodule. 

In the meantime try not to make yourself crazy over this. Easier said than done, right? Let us know if you have any luck in getting an earlier appointment. Perhaps most importantly, have a merry Xmas.

Thanks so much for your comments.  I did have a chest x-ray on the same day.  After the PET scan, having fasted quite a while and having to walk some distance to the car I blacked out in the parking garage.  Next thing I see a white coat bending over me telling me its bad for the hospital's reputation  to have a patient lying on the floor of their garage.  Over my protest they wheeled me to the ER,  one of the things done was a chest x-ray, lungs clear.  The oncologist must have heard you though, she ordered a CT scan for next Monday.  On the PET scan it said "low-grade mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymph nodes are felt likely to represent chronic infections/inflammatory process", apparently these are lymph nodes in the chest (?).  My equally old friend (I'm 82) quipped "we have bumps and knots all over at that age and that's why I hate to have tests, they'll always find something".  I thought after 5 yrs and such excellent response a PET is no longer needed.  Mind, she ordered it only to check under arm to make sure the pain was not caused by anything else.  There was no other reason for it.  The under arm area is clear.  Today I agonized over my Medicare HMO, to switch or not to switch, I'm running out of time.  There is one plan that covers my original oncologist, but not my internist whose patient I have been for a number of years and who has gone far beyond the call of duty to look after me.  Husband shrugs his shoulders, no help there. 

Let you know what transpires on Monday.

Thanks again, Margeaux

jessiesmom1 said:

Subpleural Lung Nodule

I can only imagine how scared you must be. We all look forward to reaching the magic 5 year mark and somehow feel nearly invincible if we get there. Now a wrench has been thrown into the works.

Apparently lung nodules are not uncommon. Non-cancerous nodules are often caused by previous infection and do not require any treatment. You mentioned chronic allergies and sinus infections (but not lung infections). Nodules are usually 5mm - 30mm so yours is certainly on the lower end. The larger nodules (ie. 30mm) are more likely to be cancerous than the smaller nodules. More imaging is definitely in order but I question why the CT wouldn't even be ordered until January. Depending on your insurance and availability of CT in your community your wait could be even more prolonged. I would be requesting a MUCH sooner imaging appt whether it be PET, CT or PET/CT, or MRI. Do you have any previous imaging studies to which you can compare the upcoming imaging? It is always important to note if the size, shape or location has changed over a given period of time. A mammogram is a good diagnostic tool but it does not include any views of the lungs and that is the location of your nodule. 

In the meantime try not to make yourself crazy over this. Easier said than done, right? Let us know if you have any luck in getting an earlier appointment. Perhaps most importantly, have a merry Xmas.

Unfortunately the CT scan never took place.  3 techs worked over the veins in my right arm trying to get a canule inserted thru a needle.  Although they used the smalles possible, both needle and canule. it did not go into my vein and I wouldn't let them touch the left arm.  So, I have a new date next Wednesday with instructions to drink massive amounts of water 2 days prior.  If that does not work I'm going to have them do a CT scan without contrast. 

I did change to a different HMO which accepts my previous oncologist, but haven't received formal acceptance yet, I'll call tomorrow to see how that goes.

Margeaux