Ground Glass Opacity, PET Scan and Biopsy

[LouF]

Hi all, I'm hoping to find someone in a similar position to myself who can share some advice on what might lay ahead for me.

In 2021 following a bout of pneumonia/collapsed lung an 8mm ground glass opacity was detected on a CT scan. I was put on a course of steroids for 5 weeks as they thought it may be inflammation after the pneumonia. A second CT scan two months later showed it was at 11mm so they ruled out inflammation. I was told at the time it was too small to biopsy so they would arrange for me to have a follow up CT scan three months later to monitor whether it continued to grow. Unfortunately other health issues took over at the end of 2021 and so because I was focusing on that surgery I missed my follow up CT scan and put the lung issue to the back of my priority list (and they didn't chase either).

Fast forward to this year and I've not been feeling great these past two months, enlarged lymph nodes, feeling lethargic and losing weight. My GP has been amazing and has straight away sent me for CT scans, chest x-rays, bloods to rule out Lymphoma. The bloods and scanning didn't show any concerns for Lymphoma but they did show that the Ground Glass Opacity had now grown to 20mm.

I received a call from a lung consultant today who I had been referred to who said they wanted me to have a PET scan, CT biopsy and lung function test as soon as possible and to expect these through in the next week or so.

I was in work at the time when I took the call so didn't really ask any questions and came off the call feeling a bit shocked and upset.

My first thoughts are cancer which is really scary as I lost both parents within 10 weeks of each other to cancer and my husband was diagnosed with Leukaemia two months ago.

Has anyone else had GGO detected at a similar size to mine and if so can you share your experience please?

Apologies for the long post and thanks in advance for any advice/support offered.

[Ergendl]

Sorry I can't help you with your question, and no-one else has come along yet who can. While you're waiting, try using the search box to look for similar posts, or click on the Related Posts link about ground glass opacity.

Wishing you all the best as you go through the investigations.

[Toby14]

hi i had ground glass opacity. last august after pneumonia. they discovered a 4mm nodule on lung. went back 3 months later and it remained the same. I was told not to worry about. I’m recalled in a year. good luck to you

[Pippydo]

Hi, not sure if this is relevant but I was diagnosed with L.I.P. three years ago after a scan picked up ground glass along with inflammation and cysts on lungs, I’ve been on steroids since then and have quarterly lung function tests. Hope you find some answers soon.

[watergazer]

hi. Sorry I can’t help however wishing you luck in your journey x

[BrigidsFire]

I have ggo. I have an autoimmune condition, lupus, which has damaged my lungs. I have approximately half of one lung and 2/3 of the other that actually work.

The ggo is worst when I have a flare up and the inflammation is high. CTs show that generally though, medication is working and the ggo lessens.

My paternal grandparents both had lung cancer, so the initial diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was terrifying because I’m only 45 (only 43 at diagnosis). Now it’s “just” PF. They know what’s causing it and are treating it.

Easier said than done, but don’t get too hung up on it until you know the cause. There is a huge potential for it to be treated and get better. And the odds are in your favour.

[Alberta56]

Best wishes for a satisfactory outcome.

[LouF]

Apologies for the late response to you all, I was locked out of my account and have only been able to gain access now. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Since my post I have received my appt for the PET scan which is taking place this Saturday and had the lung function test yesterday. I have also received a copy of the letter from the Consultant which in their summary said "PET CT but very likely to be negative as possible LEPIDIC cell" I've done the obvious Googling and everything that comes up with Lepidic refers to Adenocarcinoma. I'm so confused as I don't know if they are referring to this or if it could mean something else. Does anyone know if LEPIDIC cells are cancer or not?

[Ergendl in reply to LouF]

'Lepidic' just means scaly. So it may be cancerous, it may not. That's why investigations are ongoing. It's always a worry when medics use words we don't understand. While they're doing their stuff, try to get on with living life one day at a time and enjoy today.

Wishing you all the best.