After a CT scan in October a 11 x 10 x 8 mm solitary pulmonary nodule was discovered in the lower lobe of my right lung superior segment. I am a 78 year old diabetic female with no smoking history, and no lung cancer in the family. Seven years ago I had pneumonia two years in a row and ended up with a few ground-glass nodules in the lungs. These were watched for two years with no change.
This recent scan showed this new 11 mm nodule just above, almost touching, one of the previous nodules. I have received four opinions on how to deal with this new one. My primary care doctor wants to wait three months and have another scan, the radiologist suggested the same thing, as did my oncologist, and the thoracic surgeon from one of the leading teaching hospitals here in New England, but the pulmonologist wanted to do a biopsy right away. I took the advice of the thoracic surgeon, who has an excellent reputation, and will wait until January for a re-scan. I am extremely frightened and fear that this thing is growing and spreading each day. Waiting is agony, and I know my age is against me for any type of surgery. My question is, does this approach seem reasonable?
Reply # - December 6, 2013, 04:57 PM
Reply To: Managing Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
Hi narda99, It does sound reasonable to watch and wait for 3 months to see how things progress. It's an approach that is often used for uncertain findings. Not to mention that 3 out of 4 doctors who have seen you want to take this approach.
This isn't the same situation as you but there are many helpful comments on watchful waiting from doctors and people who have been there. http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=5684.0
I hope this is helpful,
Janine