Nodules in my lungs following bowel cancer treatment

Hello Marcy

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

You say that you have had treatment for bowel cancer and that you have since had CT scans that have shown multiple small nodules on your lungs. This must feel an uncertain and worrying time for you.  

Unfortunately, we don’t have access to your NHS medical records on the Macmillan Support Line, so we can only provide general information. We would encourage you to speak to your hospital team, either your consultant or clinical nurse specialist. If you don’t have their contact details, you can contact them through your main hospital number switchboard and ask to be put through. Alternatively, you may wish to make an appointment to speak to your GP.

Although we can’t give answers to your specific questions, this general information may be helpful when you speak to your medical team.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a blood test to determine any signs inflammation or infection and you say that your last test was normal. There are other tests and tumour markers for bowel cancer that your medical team may also be looking at to determine if you need further treatment now or not, and this can also depend on your general health.

Not all cancers are the same. Some cancers grow quickly but many grow very slowly. When you are diagnosed with some types of cancer, you might not need treatment straight away. Doctors monitor you with regular check-ups and tests. They sometimes call this 'watch and wait'.

These questions to ask your healthcare team and making treatment decisions may also be useful to look at in preparation for discussing with your medical team. As well as asking about your stage of cancer and why they are not starting treatment, these questions from Bowel Cancer UK may also be helpful to look at.   

Sometimes, we may be able to explain more and support you better over the telephone, please don’t hesitate to give one of our nurses a call.

I hope this information is helpful and that you get the answers you need when you speak to your medical team.

If you have any information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

Best wishes

Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/Khe/AMc