3mm nodule on lung

edroeg01
edroeg01 Member Posts: 2
in Lung Cancer #1

Hello everyone, I am new to the group and like most people here, found my way to this site in light of a recent finding.  I had an abdominal CT scan done on Monday and in reading the study the radiologist noticed a 3mm nodule located on the base of my left lung.  Needless to say my heart sank and I immediately started fearing the worst.  I used to smoke from the time I was 18 to about 36 but quit 3 years ago.  I was probably a pack a day smoker so I know I'm at a higher risk.  Everything I read tells me any number of things ranging from the worst case scenario to the best case scenario and my mind is a whirlwind right now.  My doctor of course offered no information at all and just said we'll do a full chest CT and go from there.  I honestly don't know what to think right now.

Comments

  • Katmar
    Katmar Member Posts: 55
    #2
    Try not to worry. This is an

    Try not to worry. This is an extremely small nodule, if 3mm is what you meant and not 3cm. But, either way, most nodules are benign. Let us know what your CT says, and try to relax. Wishing you all the best.

  • edroeg01
    edroeg01 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2018 #3
    Yes 3mm

    Yes, it did say 3mm for certain.  I'm 39 years old so my hope is my age, the fact that I quit a few years ago and the fact that it's in the lower portion of the lung are all good signs that it's benign but with a wife and 2 small kids my mind is racing.

  • Katmar
    Katmar Member Posts: 55
    #4
    3 mm is tiny. Nobody will do

    3 mm is tiny. Nobody will do anything about it, except keep a watch to see if it grows. They will probably order another CT in 3 to 6 months. Like I said, most nodules are benign, and yours is WAY to small to cause any problems. Try to relax. Enjoy the kids. Nodules come and go, even at your age. Area of the lung doesn't make much difference at all. Most studies out there are old, so try to stay away from Google. Take care!

  • don09
    don09 Member Posts: 108
    #5
    edroeg01

    saw your post and thought I might add some info not to alarm you but to inform you. I had a nodule in my lower left lobe, same size as yours. I am not 100% convinced that most lung nodules are benign. I had one, which wasnt the case. It was barely visable on the ctscan. They monitored it for three months and it grew so it was removed through surgery, your Dr. is doing the right thing by watching it. I know these kind of findings are frightening and it is difficult to not think the worst, thats normal. Perhaps you should call your Dr. and ask questions if anything just to ease some of your concerns.  You almost have to be your own health advocate these days so stay on top of your Dr. Hopeing it turns out to be nothing but be aware. Best wishes to you.

  • mommakaren56
    mommakaren56 Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Lung Nodule 5.6mm

    I had a CT with contrast done in the ER December 24th for abdominal pain. Radiologist said I have a 5.6mm Nodule in lower base of right lung. My PCP is referring me to a Lung dr in Feb to make sure it's nothing to worry about . I have Never smoked but have been around 2nd hand smoke growing up. Is 5.6 mm a large nodule ? My husband was a smoker but quit 10 yrs ago. He has lung nodules and has scans done every year for cancer screening. Some of his look like ground glass. He was also exposed to asbestos in the Navy.  My nodule Did NOT even show up in the chest xray. I am assuming it's small . Any feedback ?

  • Katmar
    Katmar Member Posts: 55
    edited January 2018 #7
    mommakaren56 said:

    Lung Nodule 5.6mm

    I had a CT with contrast done in the ER December 24th for abdominal pain. Radiologist said I have a 5.6mm Nodule in lower base of right lung. My PCP is referring me to a Lung dr in Feb to make sure it's nothing to worry about . I have Never smoked but have been around 2nd hand smoke growing up. Is 5.6 mm a large nodule ? My husband was a smoker but quit 10 yrs ago. He has lung nodules and has scans done every year for cancer screening. Some of his look like ground glass. He was also exposed to asbestos in the Navy.  My nodule Did NOT even show up in the chest xray. I am assuming it's small . Any feedback ?

    If it is 5.6mm and not CM,

    If it is 5.6mm and not CM, then, yes, it is small and they will just keep an eye on it. Glad you are getting it checked. Better safe, than sorry, but I wouldn't worry too much. Most nodules are benign. Good luck!

  • mommakaren56
    mommakaren56 Member Posts: 2
    #8
    Katmar said:

    If it is 5.6mm and not CM,

    If it is 5.6mm and not CM, then, yes, it is small and they will just keep an eye on it. Glad you are getting it checked. Better safe, than sorry, but I wouldn't worry too much. Most nodules are benign. Good luck!

    Nodule

    Went to the Lung Specialist and he wasn't concerned at all. It's very small and nothing to worry about ! 5.6 mm is Tiny. It didn't even show up on a chest xray...He said it was very common and nothing further needed to be done . I have never smoked so I am not at high risk . He did say if I wanted my mind at ease we can repeat the CT Scan with Contrast in 6 months but he is not expecting it to be bigger and said it may even go away on it's own. Relieved.

  • Katmar
    Katmar Member Posts: 55
    #9
    mommakaren56 said:

    Nodule

    Went to the Lung Specialist and he wasn't concerned at all. It's very small and nothing to worry about ! 5.6 mm is Tiny. It didn't even show up on a chest xray...He said it was very common and nothing further needed to be done . I have never smoked so I am not at high risk . He did say if I wanted my mind at ease we can repeat the CT Scan with Contrast in 6 months but he is not expecting it to be bigger and said it may even go away on it's own. Relieved.

    Excellent!!

    Excellent!!

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