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What Do Multiple Nodules In A CT Scan Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2016

Question: Lung cancer screening and prevention program -- CT scan shows multiple nodules. How concerned should I be about this?

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to go for further investigations.

Detailed Answer:

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

There can be many causes for multiple lung nodules. But no lung nodule should be taken lightly esp keeping your age in mind. Is there any history of smoking. Do you have any symptoms?

I suggest you consult a pulmonologist as you may require further investigations like a bronchoscopy and a bronchial biopsy if any nodule is accessible or a PET scan.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (8 hours later)

40 years of smoking. Quit 20 years ago. No symptoms. They told me they'd look at the next scan (1 year). They are small. About 2 centimeters or less.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes a follow up scan should be done.

Detailed Answer:

Smoking increases the risk of cancer. Infact it has been established as one of the main causes of smoking. Ofcourse there are many other causes of lung nodules.

It seems you have already consulted a pulmonologist and he has had a look at your scans. If so, its good. By the look of the nodules he may have decided to adopt the wait and watch line of management.

You must follow your pulmonologist's advice and go for a repeat scan whenever due or even earlier if you develop symptoms like prolonged cough, streaks of blood in sputum, breathlessness etc.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee