Lund nodule growth

[ocman]

Hi,

Just went for my follow up CT scan and this is what they found:

There was a slight increase in size of anterior mediastinal, prevascular structure measuring 22 x 13 mm, previously 12/17/2020 = 17 x 10 mm.

The UCLA pulmonologist said, it’s probably better than 50/50 that it’s benign. I'm going to schedule an MRI at his request

What are your thoughts?

I don't want to get to far ahead of myself, but I'm in Southern California, who/where are the best surgeons at (or should I make a new post for this question)?

peace

[Feelingblessed2013]

Have the mri, then talk to your pulmonologist about the possibility of doing a PET scan, or a biopsy? Maybe see a thoracic surgeon for another opinion. My first lung cancer diagnosis process was: a CT scan, a referral to a thoracic surgeon, an mri, and a PET scan. In that scan the suspected cancer lit up. Thoracic surgeon said probably cancer, but surgery to remove and biopsy to confirm. But that was almost 13 years ago, I'm sure they have found better ways since then.

[ocman in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

I'm having an MRI with and w/o contrast. Would it not make sense to just have the PET scan and be done with it?

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to ocman]

To you and me, yes. But I'm sure the doctors have their reasons for doing an mri first. I do know each scan provides different info, and the radioactive material they use for the PET scan is drawn to sugar in your body, it makes the sugar glow, cancer needs sugar to grow. If a spot shows a lot of sugar activity, that's a sign that it's cancer. Maybe the PET scan is done last, and only if the other tests aren't conclusive because of the crap they have to inject you with.I can't tell you what you should do. I can only say what I would do. I'd have the MRI, and if no answers , I'd see a cancer doctor for another opinion

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The MRI will show the doctor what is going on in greater detail. The PET scan will only demonstrate elevated molecular activity with little detail. This picture highlight the differences.

Comparison MRI/CT/PET Scans