Question:

Hi because of pain in my right side (flank-back-front down to my pelvic region) I recently had a CT that showed a 5 mm noncalcified nodule in right lung base, a 4 mm cortical hypodensity in lower pole of the right kidney, a 4 mm hypodensity in the posterior hepatic lobe (liver), 19 mm cysts on my right ovary. There are pelvic phleboliths as well. I am a heavy smoker. I had a CT done in 2004 and none of the above was present at that time. I have an appt with a lung doc in 2 days. The recommendation was to follow up in 3 months w/ another CT. I am very scared and I do not want to wait. Should I be concerned with these results? I have read that lung cancer when it spreads stays in the same side. Thank you.

Answer:

For a noncalcified lung nodule in a smoker, repeat CT in 3 months is appropriate. At 5 mm, it is often too small to biopsy. Moreover, waiting 3 months to see if it grows is safe. Should you be concerned? Of course. A heavy smoker should always be concerned about numerous health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, etc. Lung cancer spreads in a variety of manners. Commonly, it first spreads to nearly lymph nodes. Then to distant sites. But early metastatic spread is possible. If the nodule grows, biopsy is indicated.

For more information:

Go to the Lung Cancer health topic.