gigizabuk
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Posts:11
I have 9 bilateral lung nodules stable for 3 years (several GGN). However, my latest CT showed a new 4 mm nodule that developed over 8 mos. Radiology recommended repeat scan 3 mos but pulmonology wants to wait 6 mos. Is this considered a rapid growth rate ? Thank you.
Forums
Reply # - August 1, 2014, 08:44 AM
Reply To: new nodule
HI gigizabuk,
That's not particularly fast, and the scan intervals you mention are really a judgment call. As Dr. Weiss has written:
"There are no hard and fast rules about intervals for CT scanning, but multiple societies (radiologist, pulmonology) have put out guidelines and the chosen interval of 6 months for maximal nodule size of 8mm is within the limits of these recommendations. For a former smoker who only quit recently, with an 8mm nodule together with another smaller nodule, I would consider a shorter interval in my practice (3 months) but consider the choice of 6 months reasonable. Certainly any new or concerning symptoms should prompt earlier scan than the chosen interval." - http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=4796.msg29066#msg29066
Good luck with the next scan!
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - August 1, 2014, 08:00 PM
Reply To: new nodule
I really agree. I would say that the risk of overtreatment is greater than the risk of undertreatment in anyone in whom subcentimeter nodules have been stable over a period of several years.
Good luck.
-Dr. West