New cluster in lungs?

[dianetavegia]

I just got my CT scan report 5 years post my liver resection and 8 years after my original diagnosis. The report said:

New peripheral cluster of small pulmonary nodules within the right upper lobe likely infectious/inflammatory in etiology given the appearance. Careful attention to this region on subsequent follow-up imaging.

Needless to say, I'm concerned. Has anyone seen this type remark before? I don't see my oncologist for 2 weeks.

Diane

[cmrl]

It just never ends. I have "lots of things" in my lungs, according to my Oncologist. These "things", are noted on most recent ct, and they say they are stable going back to date of original dx. Of course it drives me crazy that they were never mentioned originally.
This is not the same as what you're referring to, but I just wanted to say that many people, even those who don't have cancer, have something suspicious show up on their lung.
So sorry you have a new concern.

[dianetavegia]

I've had unchanged nodules for 8 years. A search does say these are likely fungal, infections, etc. but some of the infections could include TB or serious infections.

[dianetavegia]

New since the previous study there is a cluster of pulmonary nodules developing along the major fissure within the right upper lobe on image #40 measuring 3 to 4 mm each. Otherwise no new pulmonary nodules. Remainder of the lungs are otherwise clear. No pleural effusions or pneumothoraces. The central airways are widely patent.

[MissMolly]

Diane:
When I saw the heading of your post, I will admit that my heart skipped a beat or two.

I am sorry for the uncertainty and raw fear that you are experiencing in the interpretation of your CT scan. I have always felt that it was the collective love and prayer of others offered to me that has seen me through some difficult health challenges. I am sending out a flotilla of lucky lady bugs and words of genuine prayer on your behalf that the lung findings are incidental and un-worrisome.

With faith and hope,
- Karen -

[dianetavegia]

Thank you so much. I did read that clusters of small nodules are generally infections or inflammatory but the infections could be pretty serious stuff.

I work with children on Sunday and TB is included in this list. Makes me wonder if I should have a TB test before returning to class!

[justin case]

Dear friend, I've had nodes in my lungs for years, and the PET scans for 4 years never picked up a hit . Shows up on CT's but they can also be seen in an X-ray. As long as they are not growing, it may be previous damage incurred by previous situations, encountered in one's lifestyle. Keep an eye on it, butt if your really worried get a PET scan, and see if it has uptake !
Michael

[dianetavegia]

They're too tiny for a PET Scan but the radiologist in local and said he'll call me on Monday but he remembers the 'finding' and feels sure they are some sort of infection, but we'll talk more then. Meanwhile, my onc has STILL not released my CBC from this past week. I got my CT scan by going onto the hospital website and requesting their release.

I had a cough for six weeks when everyone around here was sick in late December. I finally went to the walk in clinic on Dec. 31st and got antibiotics and something for my eyes but no chest x ray. It cleared up pretty quickly after that. Hoping I had a walking pneumonia or something that is not icky. Don't Google! All the usuals from House, M.D. pop up!

Patients with a cluster of small, noncalcified, pulmonary nodules identified on chest computed tomography (CT) examinations were studied retrospectively. Pathology revealed an infectious/ inflammatory etiology in all cases in which a surgical resection of the involved lung was performed. None of the patients in our study group showed evidence of malignancy in the region of a cluster of pulmonary nodules over the follow-up period. The authors conclude that an isolated cluster of small pulmonary nodules is strongly suggestive of benign disease. Although exceptions may rarely occur, most cases represent incidental infectious or inflammatory disease.

Diane

[Cowgirl918]

Was so concerned to see your post but hang in there. I have had pulmonary nodules for 8 years. They grow a little, they shrink, mostly they stay the same. Mine have been identified as granulomatous and probably infectious or inflammatory in nature. So we just check them. No problems yet and I am of the school that no new is good news in this situation.
I was scared to death when they first told me about the nodules. Now I honestly don't give it much thought until scan time.
Take Care. Keeping you in my prayers.

[dianetavegia]

Cowgirl, My original dx was Jan. 2009. I am SO ready to be over the 'things to worry about'. Cancer has changed me. I'll be a wreck until this is gone or I know what infection/ inflammation caused it.

I JUST had my 4 lung nodules deemed 'benign' after them reminding me of them on every scan for 8 years and 3 months!

[justin case]

Cowgirl, My original dx was Jan. 2009. I am SO ready to be over the 'things to worry about'. Cancer has changed me. I'll be a wreck until this is gone or I know what infection/ inflammation caused it.

I JUST had my 4 lung nodules deemed 'benign' after them reminding me of them on every scan for 8 years and 3 months!

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope the new cluster of nodules are benign as well.*hugs*

[stu]

Hi,
I hope you can find peace whilst you wait. Two little nodules popped up straight after my mum's last lung resection. They are still 2 mm and doing nothing. They are not classed as disease. We are trusting this analysis until told otherwise . I hope you get good news soon.
Stu

[GrouseMan]

Maybe the CT has by chance picked up the fact before symptoms of a case of the flu. Perhaps by the end of the week, you will need a decongestant or other cold or flu medication, and not further chemo, surgery or other cancer intervention. Otherwise it's continued wait and see, and continued scan angst. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that it's nothing.

GrouseMan

[WriterGirl1969]

Like Karen, I got extremely nervous when I saw the subject of your post!
I will say that my friend who has asthma and is finally recovering from a long bout of pneumonia had similar findings after several tests (they were beginning to wonder if she had more going on, so put her through a litany of tests).When she first heard the words "nodules" and "infections" she was nervous too, but has since been reassured they are not a big concern. I wonder if your findings are similarly related to the illness bout you mention having had recently.

Hopefully you will get answers very soon. In the meantime, I will add you to my prayers, and also pray that God will give you some peace while you wait to find out.

Hugs and prayers,
Tracy