Indeterminate lung nodule

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zcam96
zcam96 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
Hi everyone. I had a CT scan last week for another issue and it revealed a 1.9 cm indeterminate nodule. I'm having a needle biopsy tommorrow. Dr said the is a 40 percent chance for malignancy. Does anyone know about these? 57 years old smoker

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  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #2
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    biopsy
    It's "indeterminate" because the only real way to determine whether the mass is malignant or not is to do the biopsy, as far as I know. So, your doctor is on the right track.

    It can be a lot of things, as you have probably been told, especially since you are a long-time smoker. But, to be honest, 1.9 cm is a rather large mass. You are lucky, frankly, that for some other reason they were also able to catch this.

    Needle biopsies are not fun, but they are better than the alternatives I know of. They tried to do a needle biopsy on me, but mine was located contrarily behind a rib bone and they couldn't get to it, so I ended up getting a VATS procedure and, ultimately, a lobectomy.

    I say they are not fun because you have to lie in an awkward position on a CT board while they try to locate the mass and then stick it. Since yours is a bit larger, it probably won't be a problem, except that you DO have to stay stationary for a spell.

    In any event, it is worth it.

    If the mass proves to be malignant and is only in one lobe, you too may be a candidate for a lobectomy. At the very least, they have found it and you can move forward with treatment and living, if the odds prove not to be in your favor.

    Best wishes to you.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • zcam96
    zcam96 Member Posts: 2
    #3
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    soccerfreaks said:

    biopsy
    It's "indeterminate" because the only real way to determine whether the mass is malignant or not is to do the biopsy, as far as I know. So, your doctor is on the right track.

    It can be a lot of things, as you have probably been told, especially since you are a long-time smoker. But, to be honest, 1.9 cm is a rather large mass. You are lucky, frankly, that for some other reason they were also able to catch this.

    Needle biopsies are not fun, but they are better than the alternatives I know of. They tried to do a needle biopsy on me, but mine was located contrarily behind a rib bone and they couldn't get to it, so I ended up getting a VATS procedure and, ultimately, a lobectomy.

    I say they are not fun because you have to lie in an awkward position on a CT board while they try to locate the mass and then stick it. Since yours is a bit larger, it probably won't be a problem, except that you DO have to stay stationary for a spell.

    In any event, it is worth it.

    If the mass proves to be malignant and is only in one lobe, you too may be a candidate for a lobectomy. At the very least, they have found it and you can move forward with treatment and living, if the odds prove not to be in your favor.

    Best wishes to you.

    Take care,

    Joe

    lung nodule
    Thanks Joe. Had the biopsy yesterday and have to wait for results. Things went well no complications so now its wait and see. I'll let ya know whats happening. Have a great Holiday!!! Rick

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