Lung node

Does anyone know anything about lung nodules?

Hi Molly I don't really know but wanted you to have an answer. From a quick Google it appears most nodules are benign and often caused by past infections .I do know that through my time on here lots of ladies have odd things appear on scans that are harmless as they're so detailed .Maybe ring BCN for reassurance but I'm sure you're oncologist knows and is correct in not worrying xx

Thank you, I went private. My surgeon gave me my results (I don't have an oncologist), he said that he isn't a lung specialist so he doesn't know. Just advised to go back in 3 months to monitor any changes. I attempted to look on google but then I saw symptoms plus nodules = lung C. So panicked and came out of google. xx

Yes I understand with your other symptoms it must be a worry I wish I could help more   I'm sure someone with a personal story will be on soon .Yes stay off Google then.  Could it be linked to an infection. Sending you a big Hug there's always another worry with this but we're all here xxx

Thank you xx 

Hi MollyRiver 

I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implant & mesh) in February 2015 followed by EC then Paclitaxel chemo over 6 months. I had lots of problems with the reconstruction which eventually failed and was removed at the beginning of December that year. This meant I’d had 3 general anaesthetics over 9 months (2 breast surgeries and one for sentinel node biopsy) and don’t know if this contributed to persistent chest problems afterwards. I had a cough which just wouldn’t go away, a persistently „“sore„“ place deep inside my chest at one side and occasional shortness of breath on exertion or when singing (which I do a lot).

A chest X-ray showed I had atelactesis on the left lung (same side as surgery)and CT Scan showed a nodule in my right lung. I went into complete panic mode but my oncologist seemed relaxed and said the nodule appeared benign (and that lots of people had them and know nothing about them) and that there was nothing to be done about the atelactesis. I’ve had 3 monthly scans for a year and then gone to 6 monthly this year- the nodule has remained unchanged.

I have seen a chest specialist physician because of the persistent cough, and earlier this year had a bronchoscopy which was normal apart from softening of the cartilage which holds airways open. He said my symptoms sound like asthma which can be triggered by the EC chemo in susceptible people. I’m now on a trial of inhaled steroids to see if it helps reduce the symptoms.

So, sorry for the essay.....but just to say, you’re not alone. Try not to worry too much -I think  there are lots of us out here with nodules and cysts etc that we didn’t know we had but which will probably do us no harm. The trouble is that once its been  flagged up then it’s likely that your dr will want to monitor it periodically.......so more tests and worry to be managed on a regular basis.

All the best

Gilly xx

Mollyriver - Hi I can't help on the lung node but after my c.t scan I had a nodule show up on my thyroid gland! Like you the surgeon and oncologist said it's not connected to the breast cancer but if any irregularity shows up they have to investigate it and the probability is that its nothing sinister and has probably been there for a long time! After my chemo as a precaution they are going to remove it, but said as with lots of nodules they are more often benign but scans do show up lots of irregularities that we ordinarily wouldn't be aware of! Big hugs Deb x

Hi Molly, I had a couple of small lung nodes show up on my CT scan after my breast cancer diagnosis.  Another CT scan was carried out 3 months later just to check they had stayed the same.  They hadn't changed and the oncologist has come to the conclusion they are benign.  I have another CT scan planned soon and am not expecting the nodes to have changed (fingers crossed)! 

So short answer in my case, yes it is possible to have benign nodes.

Good luck Winney

Hi Gilly, Deb and Winney,

Thank you for taking the time to reassure me. I am panicking a little, I've still got a cough and sore chest. Keep thinking that my smoking years have come back to bite me. 

I had 7 invasive tumours and a big ball of DCIS. I didn't have chemotherapy or radiotherapy so I can't attribute my chest or cough to those. My mind is my own worse enemy at the moment! I'm seeing my gp on Friday so will let her know I'm struggling.

On a positive note my daughter and I went to see an acrobatic circus last night and we loved it so much  

Winney, would you be able to come back and tell me how your scan goes? Not to worry if you're not on here much.

Thank you again ladies xx 

Hi Molly, glad you had a good night out and hope it took your mind off things for a while.  Really what you're feeling is perfectly normal.  I am on a hormone inhibitor which causes joint pain and I constantly worry there's something else going on.  You just have to try to catch yourself on, I know it's hard....

I'll certainly let you know how my scan goes, haven't got a date yet though.  Let me know how Friday goes for you and good luck!

Winney