Multiple ground glass nodules or larger size - 1290648

garyfitz
Posts:4

During a CT Calcium score without contrast for my heart (I had no cardiac issues thankfully) a 6 mm ground glass nodularity was found. I had a CT scan with and without contrast and multiple ground glass nodularities were found in the right upper lobe:
.9x.6 cm nodule with a .7 cm nodule just lateral to this
1.1 cm ground glass nodule
a triangular-shaped ground glass lesion measuring 1.2 cm x 1.3 cm
a "somewhat ill-defined ground glass lesion" measuring 2.5 x 2.5 cm

There was no pleural effusion or thickening.

My doctor wasn't thrilled with the radiologist's report because it was "sloppy" and had many typos and inconsistencies. The radiologist's "conclusion" was that "given the CT appearance and clustered nature" these are likely from an infection/inflammatory.

My question: The large size of these nodules/lesions (especially the 2.5 x 2.5 cm one) doesn't seem consistent with anything I've found related to inflammation or infection. Everything I see talks about infection/inflammation with nodules that are much smaller. Isn't a larger nodule of that size typically malignant. If so, I feel so grateful that it was detected now and, therefore, hopefully very treatable.

I'm having a follow-up CT scan in 2 weeks to see how things have progressed (or not) so I know I'll learn more then but would love a little insight here.

I sincerely appreciate this forum and the people/experts in it.

Gary

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Reply # - April 26, 2017, 01:23 PM

catdander
Posts:

Hi Gary,

I'm sorry you're going through this worry. I hope it's infection or other inflammatory process. Size does matter statistically but stats mean little since you're concern is as an individual. My husband had several very dismal stats with his cancer but is NED without treatment for 4 years. Below is a link to a couple of pieces on ground glass opacities that I think will help form an understanding. It sounds like your doctors are keeping a close eye on the situation. I hope all goes very well and I wish I could say don't worry but I know better.
http://cancergrace.org/lung/tag/ground-glass-opacity/

All best,
Janine

Reply # - April 26, 2017, 03:41 PM

garyfitz
Posts: 4

Thanks so much for the reply and link Janine. I read through that link and learn a bit more so THANK YOU. I'm hopeful someone else may shed some light on the size of these darn things.

I LOVE hearing how well your husband is doing!! GREAT NEWS and I hope and pray he continues to do great!!

Thanks again for your reply.

Reply # - April 26, 2017, 08:47 PM

JimC
Posts: 2753

Hi Gary,

I would agree with what Janine has said, and just add that infection/inflammation can at times cover relatively large areas of the lung, so I wouldn't look at the size as the most important factor. What is important is whether it clears up or grows, and as the links Janine cited state, whether the growth is slow.

Good luck with follow-up; we'll be hoping for this to clear up soon.

JimC
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Reply # - April 26, 2017, 09:32 PM

garyfitz
Posts: 4

Thanks Jim. I'm staying reasonable and positive and reassuring my wife that although the numbers don't look great, there are always exceptions to the rule and I've never been the norm :)

I appreciate the input from both of you and anyone else!!

Gary

Reply # - April 27, 2017, 02:39 PM

cards7up
Posts: 635

Did they put you on an antibiotic? Many times when these nodules are seen, they'll try an antibiotic first then rescan within 3 months. How long ago was the scan where they were seen?
Take care, Judy

Reply # - April 28, 2017, 06:43 AM

garyfitz
Posts: 4

Hi Judy. No antibiotic. I had the first scan almost 2 months ago and my next scan is in two weeks. I'm hoping that gives some positive news.

Thanks for the input Judy :)

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