Inflammatory Focus

[Jay000]

I have a 3 mm nodule that has been stable for a year. On the one year CT It states that the nodule is essentialy unchanged. Also it states that there are new coarse linear changes related to the lingular likely representing an inflammatory focus. I was wondering what an inflammatory focus is and what can be the cause? My pulminoligist says its nothing, not to worry that it is just a little inflammation.In the impression area of my CT report the Radioligist states that a six month follow up of the nodule is recommended and at that time the coarse patchy density related to the lingula which is most consistent with an inflammatory focus should be re reviewed. Can you explain to me what an Inflammatory Focus is and is it something to be concerned about.

[National Jewish]

An inflammatory focus, usually means that some type of inflammation, most often secondary to an infection, has been present and that is not from a mass . This is good news.  The fact that it has been stable for a year is also very good and usually means this occurred some time in the past and is not actively changing.

[Jay000]

Also, I am a 41 year old former smoker with Asthma. Thanks.