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Are An Irregular Nodule In The Left Upper Lobe And A Small Consolidation In The Posterior Left Lower Lobe Serious Signs Of Any Lung Condition?
Question: irregular 1.2cm nodule in the left upper lobe and small consolidation in the posterior left lower lobe
this was on my ct scan and i am waiting for my dr. appointment.... i have COPD
this was on my ct scan and i am waiting for my dr. appointment.... i have COPD
Brief Answer:
Biopsy of the nodule may be needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The further evaluation of the nodule detected in lung CT scan will depend on your previous lung Xrays or CT scan results, if available. If the nodule is something that was present in your previous X-ray lung or CT scan of the lung and the nodule has not changed its size or shape with time, then further evaluation is not needed at this point.
However, if the nodule has shown changing characteristics, or this is the first time such a nodule is been noted, then the biopsy of the nodule is required to assess for the benign or malignant character of the nodule. This is especially important since the nodule is irregular in shape and you have a history of COPD. The biopsy can be done through CT scan or bronchoscopy guidance depending on the exact location of the nodule.
The consolidation noted can be due to several reasons including previous or current episodes of infections, effusion, lung scarring. Consolidation is not of major concern if you are not having any active symptoms of infection or effusion. Nodules can sometimes compress the lung and cause consolidation. However, this is unlikely in your case as the nodule is detected in the upper lobe and scarring is in the lower lobe of the left lung.
A detailed evaluation is recommended at this point. So please be advised to follow up with the physician's appointment as scheduled. Your physician can see if old imaging studies of your lung is available and assess the need for biopsy.
Hope I was able to help you. Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi
Biopsy of the nodule may be needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The further evaluation of the nodule detected in lung CT scan will depend on your previous lung Xrays or CT scan results, if available. If the nodule is something that was present in your previous X-ray lung or CT scan of the lung and the nodule has not changed its size or shape with time, then further evaluation is not needed at this point.
However, if the nodule has shown changing characteristics, or this is the first time such a nodule is been noted, then the biopsy of the nodule is required to assess for the benign or malignant character of the nodule. This is especially important since the nodule is irregular in shape and you have a history of COPD. The biopsy can be done through CT scan or bronchoscopy guidance depending on the exact location of the nodule.
The consolidation noted can be due to several reasons including previous or current episodes of infections, effusion, lung scarring. Consolidation is not of major concern if you are not having any active symptoms of infection or effusion. Nodules can sometimes compress the lung and cause consolidation. However, this is unlikely in your case as the nodule is detected in the upper lobe and scarring is in the lower lobe of the left lung.
A detailed evaluation is recommended at this point. So please be advised to follow up with the physician's appointment as scheduled. Your physician can see if old imaging studies of your lung is available and assess the need for biopsy.
Hope I was able to help you. Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
What if the module is malignant ... what is the usual procedure to fix this.
My dr has already scheduled a follow up ct scan in three months
thanks
My dr has already scheduled a follow up ct scan in three months
thanks
Brief Answer:
Management of lung nodule
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the biopsy of lung nodule prove it to be malignant, the management will depend on extent of disease, type of malignant cell present and your pulmonary or lung function.
If the tumor is composed of not too aggressive cells and the disease is just localized to lung and if your pulmonary function test confirms at least 80% lung function, then surgery (lobectomy) can be done. However, if the tumor is an aggressive type and your pulmonary function is low, then chemotherapy will be preferred.
As we discussed earlier, if your previous imaging studies also showed similar nodule, then management is with just follow up serial CT scans to monitor the nodule. Please be advised to follow up with your treating physician to discuss your history, and best management option for you.
Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi
Management of lung nodule
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the biopsy of lung nodule prove it to be malignant, the management will depend on extent of disease, type of malignant cell present and your pulmonary or lung function.
If the tumor is composed of not too aggressive cells and the disease is just localized to lung and if your pulmonary function test confirms at least 80% lung function, then surgery (lobectomy) can be done. However, if the tumor is an aggressive type and your pulmonary function is low, then chemotherapy will be preferred.
As we discussed earlier, if your previous imaging studies also showed similar nodule, then management is with just follow up serial CT scans to monitor the nodule. Please be advised to follow up with your treating physician to discuss your history, and best management option for you.
Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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