Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

CT Result on Husband

08/03/2011

Question:

Last December my husband was admited to the hospital with pnumonia and they had done a CT scan. We where told that it showed two areas on his lung and to have a repeat Ct scan in six months. What they didn`t tell us was that it showed two 5mm nodules in the right upper lobe and a 2.1cm low attenuation lesion to the left hepatic lobe and several additional tiny lucencies that are scattered around the liver.  There are at least 10 in number, which measure up to 3mm in size. The scan results also stated that metastatic disease cannot be completely excluded. I am very concerned. What does this mean?

Answer:

Thank you for your question. Pulmonary nodules detected by CT scan are quite common. The important thing is for you and your provider to develop a plan regarding timing of a biopsy versus continued surveillance. The plan should be based on your husband’s risk factors such as smoking history, age and history of malignancy as well as the size and appearance of the nodule. In regards to the liver lesions, it is very reasonable to discuss with your provider and consider repeat imaging. Lastly, a diagnosis cannot be made without a biopsy. 

For more information:

Go to the Lung Cancer health topic.