Had my appointment at Respiratory clinic yesterday, they were lovely. Doc I saw happy to discuss my case for 45 minutes🙂, which was amazing. They are concerned that the main nodule has increased in size, and been joined by some others. It is a very small increase, but they are sending for my previous scans from Welsh NHS to compare measurements. I know, 90% of nodules are harmless, but the other 10% can be the not so harmless variety. I have had a load of blood tests and will be booked in soon for another spirometry, plus FENO. He stressed the need to get the right diagnosis, and I am very grateful that I was seen so quickly up here. If necessary the next scan will be a PET scan.
Naturally, now quite worried, but will cross the next bridge when we get to it.
Written by
Tiggertheterrier
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I’m in a similar position although my husband is still here in body if not in mind. He has dementia and has been in a care home for over twelve months. I cared for him for 3 years but just couldn’t do it anymore. It’s left me only able to walk using crutches.
I understand just where you are coming from - about 5 years ago I was called in for a COPD review. Strange review as nurse said Dr wanted me to go for an Xray, I had one not long ago and I thought was ok. I had a shadow.
After scans and a Pet Scan I still had the shadow, which in my case are nodules it seems in my case.
I am tested every year and again it seems my nodules have not grown past the 6mm and usually less than 9mm is not a worry over cancer, Most are harmless, I am checked every year.
You are thinking right - Cross your bridges as they come.
thank you Ern007. On my CT from 2021 there was no sign of nodules. However, on the next one, May 2024 there was a 6mm one in the apex of my right lung. Told it was small, not to worry. Moved to Northumberland end of July. Recent scan on 28th August shows an increase to 8mm and some scattered new ones too. So it is still less than 1cm, but I gather that ones positioned where this one is are more likely to be malignant. The shortness of breath, cough and fatigue have all got worse over the last 18 months. I'm keeping hopeful, but having watched my husband lose his life to cancer in September last year, the timing could not be worse!!!
Your nodules are still below 9mm - I know it's a worry I have been there. You have COPD and that causes shortness of breath same with cough and fatigue could be worry, I know been there. I have bladder cancer and remembering my dad died from Prostate Cancer was a worry at the begining.
Still not often Nodules turn cancerous, you have to hold on to that. it is a trueism.
I understand what you mean by "bad Timing" - Honest it is no more than bad timing.
I wish you well and remember everything at the moment are just nodules.
Once a PET scan has been done, you should have a firm vision of lungs. Pleased to hear you are being seen by a competent Dr. If we only have strength to remain calm and not worry too much in the interim, how nice would that be. Mostly, I'm pretty good at doing so, saying to myself, time and negative thoughts are a waste of my precious energy and it does make my symptoms worse,
Thanks Fresco, my weight loss had been put down to stress from last year, in fact a lot of synptoms were attributed to stress. I am just going to carry on as normal and put my trust in the new doctors who are now looking after me.
Just today I had an appointment regarding results of my ctscan. I had 6 mm nodule that was stable for two scans that were done 6 months apart so next one was done in a year. It has doubled in size in a year and needless to say I am more than concerned and am pretty much a wreck. I am already scheduled for a pet scan. Like you, I am trying to take it as it comes but not it sure isn't easy.
Hi janno, not much fun is it!!! I am just grateful that we have access to these amazing imaging machines that can pinpoint things so accurately.
i hope you get your scan soon and it can be sorted out for you. Mine has been labelled 'suspicious' which makes me chuckle......sounds like something lurking round a corner!!!! Take care.
hoping you can get through this diffucult time, stay strong. All we can so in these circumstances is trust the doctors, they deal with lots of nodules and will have a treatment plan outlined for you. Hugs xx
So sorry about your husband. The waiting not knowing is the worse part & not having your husband for support must be tough. I had regular high resolution CT’s sometimes 6 monthly other times 3 monthly as some more would appear but then others vanished etc this pattern continued for 3 years of monitoring after which they said they were not behaving like cancer. The biggest one was 7mm. I never had a PET scan. I hope you get some positive news soon.
Thanks Otto11, the lovely doc that I saw explained how they form, usual causes etc. He said my largest nodule was still small, but they were suspicious due to where it is in the lung and fact it had got a little larger. Whatever it is, I have every confidence that they will treat it appropriately and I will have to sit tight until the next scan.
hi just wondering about how the location makes a difference?
Also how do they form?
Last week was informed I have a nodule that’s increased in size and am being sent for biopsy/ pet scan. Didn’t ask those questions as I was shocked at discovery- I just thought we were talking Bronchiectasis!
Hi Grangemill, I inevitably consulted Doctor Google, and several reputable websites mentioned that nodules in the apex of the lung are more likely to be malignant compared to those found in the lower lobes.
From my understanding, they form from scar tissue caused by chronic inflammation.
While I await my next scan, they are exploring the possibility that I have been suffering from undiagnosed Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, which might have been the guilty party in causing my own nodules. My new Respiratory team have now ruled out Bronchiectasis!
Do phone the Asthma&Lung UK helpline nurses, they are very happy to explain things for you.
Hi, nodules are a flipping nuisance, I’ve had a few and have some now but have other issues ongoing too. You are in safe hands and although the worry is there, it’s not going to make them go away.
Sounds like your doctor is being thorough which is a good thing . I say to myself now that I won't worry until I am sat in the chair and will face things then, it works most of the time. Sending good wishes to you TtT x
thanks Izb1, as Ern007 posted to me 'at the moment they are just nodules' which I think is very wise advice. This Respiratory Clinic is calm, organised and properly staffed.....unlike the one I left behind in Wales which was just chaotic and nobody ever communicated with you either!! Take care xxxx
Never be afraid to ask questions, if you feel you're not taking it all in, take someone along, I did, my daughter first, then a friend.I'm a nurse anyone sitting in our seat, I think we miss things, I did
Hears me thinking I know it all😄
I'd forgotten much of what he said, so grateful for having someone to listen too.
Hope you don't think, my replies sound 'know all' I have experienced so many different fields , I'm learning from you all
and every time I speak to professionals , keep your chin up,
I was so lucky that my Dad was a doctor!! We lost him last May, from sepsis, at the age of 92yrs😥. But he was always there to explain things, pick his brains, offer his advice. I gleaned a lot of medical terms & language from him which still comes in handy if consultations turn technical!!! I dont have anybody to accomapany me any more, I'm on my own now, but I often scribbble down notes to read later.
I'm in a similar position. I had a CT scan at a&e after a fall. It picked up several issues for further investigation. One of these concerned lung nodules and one of them is suspicious. I'm back to the consultant next week. He wanted to discuss further with the person who did the scan report to check whether it is my existing known nodule that has grown or if it is a new one. I was expecting to have had another ct scan before the appointment, but have heard nothing.
There's been enough drama relating to the other issues, so I decided to 'park' the nodule bit until I see the consultant again.
Like you, I'm concerned about the 10% that aren't benign!
Hi Moy, the not knowing is the worst bit!! But I'm sure my new Respiratory Team have dealt with loads of nodules, so I am trusting them to deal with whatever turns up next😬!! So far, Northumbria Health Authority have made my previous health board look like a bunch of amateurs! I'm sure I wont be left 2 years between clinic appointments here!!!!! But yes, whatever it is, we shall fight it. I have given my largest nodule a name....."Nobby"🤣. Sending best wishes and big hug XX
I had a nodule which on a second scan had shrunk, so good news. But a couple of others had now popped up on the scan. I had another scan early August so they can measure and haven’t heard anything. No news is good news in my head, if urgent I’d have heard by now. I know how you feel and how worrying it is but try to stay positive. It could be it won’t grow anymore and the small ones shrink. I wish you lots of good luck. Take carex
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Lung nodules
Lung biopsy results
Scared about lung nodules
