Cancer Support
Related: About this forumCan somomene help me interpret these CT Results?
I know you're not a doctor (officially in this capacity on the DU) but any insights would be appreciated:
Backgroud - I'm 52, never smoked, never drank, but my parent did and coworkers smoked around my cube for 5 years when it was allowed. I've had various version of bronchitis & pneumonia, once perhaps whooping cough. I also had a rectal carcinoid but that was benign. I have an appt with a pulimologist on 6/20 (thanks to the wonderful-you don't have to wait for your doctor American -- medical care) so any insights (which I won't hold you to) is helpful.
Yea, I'm terrified. . .
Thanks
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FINDINGS:
The exam is of generally adequate diagnostic quality, without evidence of pulmonary embolism to in most cases to at least the subsegmental pulmonary artery branch level. Ascending thoracic aorta is grossly nonaneurysmal. No substantial appreciable
coronary artery calcifications or pericardial effusion.
No pleural effusion. Subtle mosaic attenuation of the lung parenchyma, more so in the bilateral lower lobes, raises the possibility of subtle air trapping. Central airways are grossly patent. Mild lower lobe predominant peribronchial thickening. A few 4
mm or less noncalcified pulmonary nodules in the lung bases are stable from at least 8/13/2010 indicative of a nonaggressive process, including in the right lower lobe (axial 80) and left lower lobe (axial 93). Other scattered pulmonary nodules were not
definitively imaged previously, including a dominant 6 mm right upper lobe nodule near the level of the minor fissure (axial 53) and less than 4 mm nodules in the right upper lobe (axial 54), middle lobe (axial 65) and right lower lobe (axial 74, 79).
Additional probable calcified granuloma in the right lower lobe.
No substantial appreciable thoracic lymph node enlargement. Generalized low attenuation of the hepatic parenchyma suggesting a component of probable steatosis. A few minimally prominent upper abdominal lymph nodes, including a 12 mm periportal lymph
node, are nonspecific but generally stable. The spleen is mildly enlarged, measuring 13.6 cm in craniocaudal dimension. Mild exaggerated thoracic kyphosis with subtle anterior vertebral body wedging and preferential osteophyte formation and disc space
loss in the mid to lower thoracic spine.
IMPRESSION:
1. No convincing acute pulmonary embolism.
2. A few lower lobe pulmonary nodules are stable dating back to 2010 indicative of a nonaggressive etiology. Other pulmonary nodules were not previously imaged and remain indeterminate, the largest measuring up to 6 mm. Fleischner guidelines recommend
followup CT in 3-6 months. Depending on risk factors and outcome of the initial followup CT, would consider additional followup CT in 18-24 months.
3. Subtle mosaic attenuation of the lung parenchyma, more so in the bilateral lower lobes, raising the possibility of subtle air trapping. Mild lower lobe predominant peribronchial thickening.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)But basically it says you have some small nodules that were not there before and should be monitored to see if they continue to grow. These appear to be non cancerous at this time, or they would have recommended immediate biopsy. You have a few areas of slight lung damage where a little bit of air is getting trapped. This might be normal for your age or it could be due to past exposures to toxins. I would definitely ask your doctor about that.
LOL Lib
(1,462 posts)Important to note...stable from 2010. I'm not an MD, not trained in radiology. This post is based strictly on experience with loved ones who have suffered both COPD and various stages of lung cancer, treatment, surgery, recurring lung cancer. Yuck, suffice it to say too many loved ones with lung issues.
Edit to add: wishing you the very best and sending positive thoughts.
Also, make a list of questions to take to the appointment with pulmonologist! Ask questions until you are fully satisfied and seek a second opinion if you are still concerned. Your peace of mind is invaluable.
Uben
(7,719 posts)My wife had CT scans of her lungs and there were a couple of nodules discovered. Her doc said normal procedure is to wait a couple of months and see if they are growing. I also read where 99% of nodules discovered by CT scans were benign, so I wouldn't be too concerned at this point. She is a lifetime smoker and over 60 yrs old, which places her in a higher risk category.
The last 3 times I went in for my annual check-up, my GP has sent me to specialists for various reasons. The most recent was a nodule on prostate gland...benign. Before that it was for a kidney scan....nothing there. The other was for a lump on a testicle which was a benign cyst that would never become cancer.
So, while I am relieved to know I have no serious ailments, I am glad I had them looked at, and I'm glad My doc caught the irregularities. It gives one a little peace of mind. We're all just one doctor's appt away from finding out we have a serious ailment.
The day will come when it is serious. Until then, we should live each day like its our last!
I'm certainly no doctor and I would never tell someone to disregard their doctor's advice. It is good to be vigilant!