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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Lung Nodules
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Lung Nodules
by 0123, May 18, 2004 12:00AM
My husband had a chest x-ray done approx. 2 wks ago. It showed a 1cm nodule in the lower right lobe. He is being scheduled for a CT scan. He smoked for years but has been smoke free for months. Also about 5 years ago he had a positive TB test and he took medication for that. He was also getting over some type of sinus infection approx. 1 wk before the chest xray was done. He is 59. What do you think this nodule could be? Also, he has never had a CT scan before, how is this done. He is pretty healthy. He does not take any type of medication. Thanks for all the help.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, May 20, 2004 12:00AM
, May 20, 2004 12:00AM
A nodule is usually a small, round shadow seen on chest x-ray anywhere in the lungs. Nodules are due to infections, inflammation, or tumors. This could be a tuberculous granuloma, which is a harmless reminder of the positive TB test that your husband had about 5 years ago. Since the nodule is 1 centimeter in size it is very unlikely to be cancer. Your husband will need to have more testing done to know what this could be. A chest CT scan is usually the next test that is done because it is more sensitive and shows more detail than a chest x-ray. The shape, smoothness and density of the nodule will be seen on the CT scan. This will help in determining what this could be.
When the chest CT scan is done your husband will need to lye still on his back on a hard table. Any movement will cause blurring and streaking of the x-rays. An encircling x-ray camera will take pictures of his chest from many different angles. This test is complete in 30 to 45 minutes. When dye is used to see the blood vessels it will take twice as long for the test because the same steps are repeated after the dye is given through an intravenous (IV) catheter.
When the chest CT scan is done your husband will need to lye still on his back on a hard table. Any movement will cause blurring and streaking of the x-rays. An encircling x-ray camera will take pictures of his chest from many different angles. This test is complete in 30 to 45 minutes. When dye is used to see the blood vessels it will take twice as long for the test because the same steps are repeated after the dye is given through an intravenous (IV) catheter.
Member Comments (3)
by triker, Jun 03, 2004 12:00AM
I was recently hosp. for asthmatic bronchitis.A chest CT showed a 1.5 cm/8mm nodular density in lateral aspect of left lung base,Also multiple nodular appearing densities noted in the mediastinum.Also evidence of prominent bilateral hilar lymph nodes as well.A thoracic surgeon is reviewing my scan.I am very concerned and can't see the MD for 2 weeks.What does all this terminology mean?Any info will be appreciated.Thank you.
by 0123, Jun 15, 2004 12:00AM
My husband has to wait 5 wks for his ct scan. Now he has 2wks to go (June 28). Nodules are due to inflamation, infection or tumors. In your case it sounds like it is from your bronchitis. Doesn't sound serious to me. When they did your ct scan did they use dye. They are going to with my husbands. His was only 1cm and that was detected on a chest xray. They say that is normally too small for even a chest xray to pick up. They seem to think it may be a shadow from something but who knows. Sometimes I think they will tell you anything until they know for sure. Try not to worry yourself about it although I know from experience that is hard to do. Good luck with your results and I pray everything turns out good.
