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Lung nodules and Colon Cancer

11/23/2009

Question:

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2007. Six inches of my colon was removed. 51 lymph nodes was tested only 1 tested positive. I took 6 months of chemo. I started having scans every six months. On August 25th, 2009 my scan showed a 3mm diameter angiocentric soft tissue nodule within the superior segment of the right lower lobe. I had a follow up scan on November 12th. The findings were that of a new nodule peripherally at the right lung and measured 5mm in diameter. This does not represent the suspected nodule in previous scan. It has disappeared completely. What concerns would you have about this? All blood work is normal.

Answer:

You mentioned that the 3mm nodule seen on your August scan has disappeared and there is a new 5mm nodule seen on the Nov scan. While with your history of Colon cancer, it can be worrisome for malignancy. It is possible that this was an infection or scar that may also disappear on the follow up CT scan is 6 months. A 5mm nodule is too small to biopsy with the currently available techniques. At this time, I recommend not to worry about it too much and wait for a repeat scan in 3-6 months (as decided by your physician) to see if the nodule is getting bigger or if there is at all any change in size, shape or character.

For more information:

Go to the Lung Cancer health topic.