CT Scan Showed Subcentimeter Paratracheal Lymph Node. How Should I Confirm Whether It Is Cancerous Or Not?

Posted on Thu, 5 Dec 2013

Question: my ct scan report has indicated subcentimeter paratracheal lymph node, what next step can be adapted to be sure that it is cancer or not?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Unlikely to be cancer Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. Subcentimeter paratracheal nodes are usually not significant. You have not mentioned the reason why this scan was done. If clinical suspicion is not strong then you may just be observed. Otherwise, we can do a PET-CT scan for further characterization. But as I said, possibility of anything serious is low. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (13 minutes later)

I did first me X-ray being afraid of lung cancer, there were some mottled opacities, I went to my doctor, he prescribed for CT Scan, the report says the above abnormality, no other abnormality was noted, I don't have any other symptom or problems. I have a sound health and active. The sub centimeter lymph node is worrying me.I should be sure that I do not have cancer. Please reply.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: These findings are within normal limits Detailed Answer: I don't really see the need for further workup. However, a PET-CT scan may be done to look at these nodes in even greater detail. PET looks at not only the size but also the activity. Again, I don't think your doc will order this unless he has strong suspicions. Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar