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Is A Non-calcified Lung Nodule In Upper Left Lobe Serious?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Aug 2016
Question: Hi there
a 3mm non calcified lung nodule was found in my upper left lobe. I am a 61 yr old female. i stopped smoking 4.5 years ago. I was a sporadic smoker, never more than 6-10 a day of light parlimaents.
I had a follow up cat scan (total of two scans) and the nodule has not grown at all.
I feel good overall.
My question is: does it sound like this non calcified nodule is benign? They want me to have one more scan a year after that second one.
thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly read ahead

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
From the history and description you gave the nodule in the lung could be benign or it could also be malignant.
Just based on CT scan it is impossible to say the nature of the lesion.
That is the exact reason they have asked you to repeat a scan after certain amount of time to see the progression of the lesion. If it is the same size it can be said that its benign and harmless. But if it has increased as compared to before then further investigations might be required.
Usually a FNAC or biopsy from the lesion will tell the best what it is. So a 3 mm lesion sounds mostly benign or harmless but the picture will be clearer on your next CT scan.
It could also be none of the above and just a small fibrotic patch because of some previous infection and resolving.
So at this stage it does sound harmless. Picture will be clear after the next CT scan.
I hope I have answered your question well.
If you have any questions kindly ask me back.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhijit Sonawane

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 603 Questions

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Is A Non-calcified Lung Nodule In Upper Left Lobe Serious?

Brief Answer: Kindly read ahead Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting in HCM. From the history and description you gave the nodule in the lung could be benign or it could also be malignant. Just based on CT scan it is impossible to say the nature of the lesion. That is the exact reason they have asked you to repeat a scan after certain amount of time to see the progression of the lesion. If it is the same size it can be said that its benign and harmless. But if it has increased as compared to before then further investigations might be required. Usually a FNAC or biopsy from the lesion will tell the best what it is. So a 3 mm lesion sounds mostly benign or harmless but the picture will be clearer on your next CT scan. It could also be none of the above and just a small fibrotic patch because of some previous infection and resolving. So at this stage it does sound harmless. Picture will be clear after the next CT scan. I hope I have answered your question well. If you have any questions kindly ask me back. Thank you