5mm solitary nonspecific pulmonary nodules left lower subpleural

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Tpralph
Tpralph Member Posts: 487
edited June 2017 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

im am very frightened. Hat my CT for my upcoming Diep surgery and all looked good until I saw this in my CT. Nonspecific 5mm subpleural nodule in left lower lobe. Can be followed in future testing.

Is it cancer Mets? Anyone else have this and was ok?

I feel like I have just been handed my death sentence 😢


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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited April 2017

    Tpralph,

    I think that a solitary nodule is something that they watch for any changes (re: follow in future testing) unless it is large. Is most likely NOT mets. Perhaps this info from Mayo will help?

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/expert-answers/lung-nodules/FAQ-20058445

    So sorry you've gotten some confusing and scary news!

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  • Tpralph
    Tpralph Member Posts: 487
    edited April 2017

    thank you for your reply. I read the article and another one that says the same thing but it doesn't mention the risk I have with already having cancer. also cancerous nodules have to grow just like any cancer or do they have  a different presentation and then just appear as a larger nodule?

    I had to take the day off work I am so upset about all this and tired of having cancer...AND it has only been a couple of months for me.....still waiting for surgery, so many damn unknowns

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited April 2017

    Tpralph, if they thought it was mets, don't you think they'd want to biopsy it? It sounds like it doesn't have characteristics that make them believe that it is, but if you want to get a more definitive answer, ask for a PET scan.

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  • Tpralph
    Tpralph Member Posts: 487
    edited April 2017

    thank you MT, you are a big help. I am glad you are responding because I am so upset and this does help. the radiologist stated just to check it with future testing. I have both my BS and PS nurses planning to discuss with the doctors and see what they think ; however they are both in long surgery today so wont probably hear anything back until tomorrow.

    nice to be able to talk to someone about my worry. :)

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited April 2017

    It is completely understandable that any odd finding immediately correlates in your mind as "mets". I would say that is "normal" for this stage in your treatment. Just try and breathe, distract yourself and have that conversation with your team about follow up as soon as you can. It would be comforting, to me, that the radiologist wasn't suggesting biopsy, but a recheck with future testing. And, 5mm is the smallest of what mayo considers the "typical" size of a benign solitary nodule. I do know that this info doesn't make the fear go away. "in your pocket" while you wait to talk to your team!

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  • Tpralph
    Tpralph Member Posts: 487
    edited April 2017

    Thank you MT!

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  • Tpralph
    Tpralph Member Posts: 487
    edited June 2017

    So two months later nodule 1 mm smaller!!! So darn happy! Mo not concerned. Hope they will recheck in 6 months

    Thanks everyone for reassuring me!

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited June 2017

    Yay Tpralph!! That's great news, in this case, smaller is always better!

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