Are lung nodules same as cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had intermittent chest pain recently and had two chest CTs done. The first chest CT scan was done to measure the calcium level. It revealed a non-specific ill-defined patch of ground glass lesion approximately 2 cm prominently the proper upper lobe attenuation was present. The second CT was done after two days which reported a ground glass lesion in the anterior right upper lobe measuring approximately 6 mm. More inferiorly, the ground glass lesion in the anterior right midlung measures about 10 mm in AP extent. My calcium level was very low, and my blood test results were slightly elevated for WBC. I was a heavy smoker but occasionally smoked about 30 years ago. I am concerned about the ground glass appearance. As I was told, the nodules would be absorbed by the body and disappear. How long will it take for the nodules to disappear and be absorbed in the body? Can it be surgically removed? What is your opinion on this?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern. CT-guided biopsy (computed tomography) should be done on a suspected lesion, and it will confirm the diagnosis. These nodules could be benign. They will go away in six months, sometimes, they get calcified and never go, but they will not bother you. Once malignancy is ruled out by biopsy, the scan can be repeated after three months. Also, other infectious causes should be ruled out, like tuberculosis and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Here are my answers to your questions,

A CT-guided biopsy is done under local anesthesia.
No hospitalization is needed.
If not going for a CT-guided biopsy, another option is a follow-up CT scan, but for a definite diagnosis, a CT-guided biopsy is mandatory.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.