LDCT scan found 3 solid nodules and 1 ground glass and I am terrified

[suzi-q]

Back in August my doc sent me for a LDCT because I was a smoker (just quit).  They found 2 solid nodules 3mm. 1 solid, 4 mm. and 1 ground glass 4mm.  I have to go back for a repeat scan in 6 months (February).  The radiologist said it is common and not to worry, but of course, I am.  I am especially worried about the ground glass nodule.  Can anyone give me insight?  I read that most solid are benign but I am especially concerned about the ground glass.  Has anyone had these and are ok or are they usually cancer?

[Sallytho]

I have ground glass started in 2011 they kept and eye on it till 2013 when I went in CT showed a change they had a board discussion. They decided to do a wedge lung surgery.Most were benign but one was adenocarcinoma they removed it.I have been followed yearly .so far so good. I also take Essiac tea every day1/3 cup. Good luck

[CHIN_C]

It is good that you are taking an active interest in your health. Congratulations on quitting smoking! Now that you have quit, it is essential that you do not relapse. Cigarette smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body!

Regarding the findings on your LDCT, I would not worry/overreact or jump to any conclusions at this point. Just be sure to get the follow-up study as recommended by the radiologist. Ground-glass nodules may represent focal atelectasis/scarring, focal infection/inflammation, or adenocarcinoma-spectrum lesions. Regarding the latter, the spectrum ranges from preinvasive (adenocarcinoma in situ or atypical adenomatous hyperplasia) to minimally invasive to invasive. Many times, these ground-glass nodules resolve in a few months, suggesting a transient process such as infection/inflammation. Other times, these persist but are often indolent/slow growing and warrant continued surveillance. At this point, even in the worst case scenario, your finding is likely preinvasive since it is still very small and pure ground-glass without solid components.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Thanks for your question and we're sorry you are worried.  It's easy for us to say trust your doctor but this doesn't alleviate anxiety, does it?  February is almost here.  These findings are not unusual and are most often benign.  If they shrink or stay the same, that is a good sign they are not anything to worry about.  Up to 5o percent of adults have benign lung nodules seen on scans.  Keep that in mind.  Simply having an infection at one time can create this situation.  And that you were a smoker puts you at higher risk for benign lung nodules.  Congrats on quitting, by the way!  That's fantastic and hard to do!  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317531#symptoms  This article gives the basics on lung nodules.  This article states that most lung nodules are noncancerous.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/expert-answers/lung-nodules/faq-20058445  Follow up in February will hopefully give you peace of mind!  I would agree that the ground glass nodule is probably what they are most concerned to take a look at and monitor.  Please know that often these disappear spontaneously.  Here is some information on this subject. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/expert-answers/lung-nodules/faq-20058445  I would not be worried at this time but do follow up with your doctor at the designated intervals they suggest. Let us know what happens!