CT Scan Shows Pulmonary Nodules

[aje123]

I had a ct scan of my chest in Feb 2018 due to having a fast heart rate and the flu. Found a 5mm nodule on right lung in the middle lobe. No follow up needed. July 2018 had coronary calcium scan and the same nodule was found but 4 mm, also 2 new 4 mm nodules were found. Family doctor looked at scan and said nothing was concerning. Report says consider follow up ct scan in 12 months. I am do scared I have not scheduled the follow up yet. I am a 45 year old never smoked. Any ideas what the nodules could be? All I can think of is lung cancer.

[CHIN_C]

You mentioned that the more recent CT showed “new” pulmonary nodules, but are they really new? In all likelihood, they were probably present on the older study. Consider having the radiologist who read the coronary calcium scan review and compare both CT studies. If the nodules are indeed new, they are probably infectious and/or inflammatory given their rapid development.

[CHIN_C]

The morphology of the nodule is important. The more common solid nodules are generally less concerning, whereas subsolid/ground-glass nodules may require follow-up for multiple years to exclude indolent/slow-growing tumors.

[CHIN_C]

I would not lose sleep over this. Pulmonary nodules are quite common. The Fleischner Society publishes guidelines for how to manage incidentally detected pulmonary nodules in adult patients who are at least 35 years old without history of cancer. There are many versions of this, published in 2005, 2013, and 2017, the most recent which can be accessed at the following URL: https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.2017161659. Basically, if you can demonstrate at least 2 year stability, the pulmonary nodules are likely benign. Just follow the recommendations on your radiology report.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Thanks for your question.  I know it is always worrisome when you hear that they 'found something' or saw a nodule on your lungs. However, please know that this is very common.  A nodule basically means a small growth that while it could be cancerous is very rarely so.  They are normally non cancerous.  And yours are quite small. Previous lung infections can be the reason for the appearance of lung nodules. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/expert-answers/lung-nodules/faq-20058445  Your doctor is aware of them and is following them.  Speak to them about your concerns but from what you have written, I would not worry about these.  Best of health to you.