Would Two Nodules On The Lungs Be A Sign Of An Early Stage Of Cancer?

Posted on Sun, 13 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 13 May 2018 Answered on

Mon, 8 Jan 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I have posted so many questions and I'm a nervous wreck I'm barely functioning. a chest x ray found two nodules on his lungs one month ago 11mm and 7mm. he is still waiting for his cat scan due to a switch in insurance. I basically already have his funeral planned in my head and all I want are answers. I asked the dr if the cancer would likely be early stage since it's small and he did not have an answer for me. I'm a nurse so I know alot depends on the cell type... the rational part of me is gone and the people internet says that being 11mm its probably cancer.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
How old is the patient?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

While 11mm is big and points more towards cancer, we need to understand his risk factors. Has he ever smoked in the past? Get expose to asbestos? How old is he? These are important aspects we must seek to understand before making hasty conclusions.

Let me hear from you and will provide my honest and unbiased thoughts to you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (19 minutes later)

he is 43 and does smoke

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
We must rule out cancer!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

His age and smoking history given the size of this nodule is concerning. We must get a CT scan and possibly a biopsy to diagnose the exact nature of this nodule.

I understand your worries and yes, they are genuine and reasonable.

I wish you well and keep me updated.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (8 minutes later)

would it likely be early stage?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If a cancer, most likely early stage as there are no symptoms. However, with two separate nodules, I will like to see the entire evaluation findings before concluding.

Courage to you!

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

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 minutes later)

he does have a cough and has for a while but he says he feels stuff draining into his throat

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Let's see what the CT scan and biopsy says!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand how anxious we are about this, hoping we could get all the results right away and start providing tailored care to him. This is not possible and most remains probabilistic than certain. Let's exercise some small patience and get things in.

Keep me updated.

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