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What Do Nodules In Lungs Indicate?
I had an abdominal CAT scan because i had been having some stomach problems. I was informed that the CAT scan showed 2 small 4mm nodules in my right lobe in my lung, I am very concerned are nodules usually cancerous ? i was told that the CAT scan should be repeated in 6 months, 6 months is really a long time to wait to be retested.
Wed, 20 Dec 2023
Hi,
Definitely, lung nodules can be a stressful situation for you, but just by the size or location, the differentiation between cancerous or non-cancerous nodules can not be given. Most of the nodules in lungs are non-cancerous and are very much normal. It all depends on many factors. Only 1% of the lung nodules below 35 years, are cancerous. while half of lung nodules over 50 years are cancerous.
Smaller nodules mostly less than 1 cm are usually non-cancerous. Lung nodules having smooth surface, than jig-jagged are usually non-cancerous. Lung nodules, which are increasing in size are usually cancerous. Still, a definite conclusive diagnosis can be made only by biopsy. However, it is not convenient as well as not desired to undergo for further imaging like PET Scan or subject the nodule for biopsy in each case of lung nodule.
Now, universal strategy in these cases is to have the serial scans to be repeated after every 6 months or so for small nodules of less than 1cm and if there is increase in size of the nodule in subsequent scan, then further investigations like PET Scan or biopsy are done to come to a definite diagnosis. Here, in your case the nodules are very very small & these are likely to be non-cancerous. Still, to avoid an uncertainty in your case, your doctor has rightly suggested you for a repeat scan after 6 months.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
Definitely, lung nodules can be a stressful situation for you, but just by the size or location, the differentiation between cancerous or non-cancerous nodules can not be given. Most of the nodules in lungs are non-cancerous and are very much normal. It all depends on many factors. Only 1% of the lung nodules below 35 years, are cancerous. while half of lung nodules over 50 years are cancerous.
Smaller nodules mostly less than 1 cm are usually non-cancerous. Lung nodules having smooth surface, than jig-jagged are usually non-cancerous. Lung nodules, which are increasing in size are usually cancerous. Still, a definite conclusive diagnosis can be made only by biopsy. However, it is not convenient as well as not desired to undergo for further imaging like PET Scan or subject the nodule for biopsy in each case of lung nodule.
Now, universal strategy in these cases is to have the serial scans to be repeated after every 6 months or so for small nodules of less than 1cm and if there is increase in size of the nodule in subsequent scan, then further investigations like PET Scan or biopsy are done to come to a definite diagnosis. Here, in your case the nodules are very very small & these are likely to be non-cancerous. Still, to avoid an uncertainty in your case, your doctor has rightly suggested you for a repeat scan after 6 months.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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