I had a CT done because of chest pain i was experiencing (ended up being a pulled chest muscle)...but they found a 4mm nodule on my lung. My primary care doctor said don't worry about it and to wait 3 months and have a follow up CT scan done. I insisted on seeing a pulmonary specialist. I haven't seen him yet, but do you think I should insist on a biopsy? I don't like the wait and see approach. My mother in law is dying from lung cancer. she is a smoker and I am not, but still scared.
2007-09-08 13:02:31 · 7 answers · asked by Marie 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
It would be very tough to biopsy a 4 mm nodule in the lung. Waiting and reviewing is the correct approach.
2007-09-08 13:09:16 · answer #1 · answered by Knick A 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
MRI has a better resolution than a CT SCan in your case.
However, it is more expensive.
A flexible bronchoscopy with biopsy can also be done or a CT-guided biopsy, depending on the location of the mass.
However for a solitary nodule in the lungs, I am doing a follow-up MRI or CT. And if it is amenable to biopsy (whether CT-guided or by bronchoscope), it doesn't matter, as long as it is done. Why? Because, it is still biopsy that has the definitive way of saying it is cancerous or not.
Stay away from smokers too even though you are not smoking yourself (passive).
2007-09-08 13:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by jhundevilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pulmonologist may do further testing, but at this point, the wait and see approach is totally appropriate. doctors wait and see on aneurysms that are bigger than that. if you aren't having other symptoms, it is likely nothing. wait and see what the specialist says. try not to worry, you and your mother in law are 2 separate individuals and as you said you aren't a smoker. hopefully your appt is soon and you can have your mind put to rest.
2007-09-08 13:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by bella36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are that scared, than, yes, insist on a biopsy. However, put trust in your physicians. If you dont trust the doctor, get a new one. Anyway, do what makes you feel safe and comfortable. No One else can tell you different. Trust your instincts.
2007-09-08 13:08:03 · answer #4 · answered by Doug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it where me I would get a second opinion and if your insurance wont let you then i would insist that your doctor refers you to a specialist i don't think i would wont to wait for a answer 3 months later i would see the specialist and see what he or she recommends and take it one step at a time
2007-09-08 13:13:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd insist on getting this nodule checked out further. No way would I wait around. It's your life we're talking about! I don't want to frighten you more, but so many doctors are idiots! It's better to be safe than sorry.
2007-09-08 13:13:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't want to check it out? I don't get that. I would want a biopsy too ASAP. With people around you having cancer, it would concern me.
2007-09-08 13:08:24 · answer #7 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋