Question about small lung nodule

Benign lung nodules are common — and the most common thing to do is watch and see if it grows.  Especially for something that size because 3mm would be difficult to biopsy.

Benign lung nodules are common — and the most common thing to do is watch and see if it grows.  Especially for something that size because 3mm would be difficult to biopsy.

Benign lung nodules are common — and the most common thing to do is watch and see if it grows.  Especially for something that size because 3mm would be difficult to biopsy.

Hi Stephy,

I have a few  punctuate nodules in my lung that are +/- 1mm.  Over the past three years, they have not changed. Being the case, my Dr.'s are not concerned.  They will continue to monitor.  By the way, I also have an unchanged nodule in my kidney; also,unchanged.  Like you, I was initially concerned but have taken comfort in the fact they are unchanged, are being monitored and my oncologist is largely unconcerned.  Just be vigilant, but don't let it be too much of a concern

Hi Stephy,

I have a few  punctuate nodules in my lung that are +/- 1mm.  Over the past three years, they have not changed. Being the case, my Dr.'s are not concerned.  They will continue to monitor.  By the way, I also have an unchanged nodule in my kidney; also,unchanged.  Like you, I was initially concerned but have taken comfort in the fact they are unchanged, are being monitored and my oncologist is largely unconcerned.  Just be vigilant, but don't let it be too much of a concern

Hi Stephy,

I have a few  punctuate nodules in my lung that are +/- 1mm.  Over the past three years, they have not changed. Being the case, my Dr.'s are not concerned.  They will continue to monitor.  By the way, I also have an unchanged nodule in my kidney; also,unchanged.  Like you, I was initially concerned but have taken comfort in the fact they are unchanged, are being monitored and my oncologist is largely unconcerned.  Just be vigilant, but don't let it be too much of a concern

Hi Stephanie,

I know this is asking a lot, but please do what you can to not worry about this right now.  At the moment, there is no way to know what this is (it is just too small).  Plus it is very possible that it is nothing and will either disappear or stay the same on the next scan.  3mm is very tiny.  In order to confidently perform a lung needle biopsy, most doctors would need the nodule to be at least 1cm (it's not easy for them to hit such a tiny target with that needle).  Alternatively, you could do a surgical biopsy.  I did this but in my case I regret it (they did not know I had melanoma and were only concerned with the spot so during the biopsy when it was determined to be cancer they removed the entire lobe of my lung!  That would not have been the protocol if they had known I had melanoma going in so that would likely not happen to you).

In summary, the first time they find a spot, they can't really know anything.  It's the next set of scans that will provide useful comparative information (did it grow?  shrink?  stay the same? etc.).  If you must consider the worst-case-scenario, then also consider that if you are a person that will be responsive to the current treatments, you will respond to those treatments 3 or 4 months from now too.

Waiting is stressful and challenging, but stress by itself is immunosuppresant so please do what you can minimize the stress (yoga, meditation, deep breathing, watching funny movies, whatever works for you).  Right now you do NOT know this is melanoma.  So enjoy this time.  If you learn later that it is, you will have plenty of time to worry then.

Best of luck and health to you!

Hi Stephanie,

I know this is asking a lot, but please do what you can to not worry about this right now.  At the moment, there is no way to know what this is (it is just too small).  Plus it is very possible that it is nothing and will either disappear or stay the same on the next scan.  3mm is very tiny.  In order to confidently perform a lung needle biopsy, most doctors would need the nodule to be at least 1cm (it's not easy for them to hit such a tiny target with that needle).  Alternatively, you could do a surgical biopsy.  I did this but in my case I regret it (they did not know I had melanoma and were only concerned with the spot so during the biopsy when it was determined to be cancer they removed the entire lobe of my lung!  That would not have been the protocol if they had known I had melanoma going in so that would likely not happen to you).

In summary, the first time they find a spot, they can't really know anything.  It's the next set of scans that will provide useful comparative information (did it grow?  shrink?  stay the same? etc.).  If you must consider the worst-case-scenario, then also consider that if you are a person that will be responsive to the current treatments, you will respond to those treatments 3 or 4 months from now too.

Waiting is stressful and challenging, but stress by itself is immunosuppresant so please do what you can minimize the stress (yoga, meditation, deep breathing, watching funny movies, whatever works for you).  Right now you do NOT know this is melanoma.  So enjoy this time.  If you learn later that it is, you will have plenty of time to worry then.

Best of luck and health to you!

Hi Stephanie,

I know this is asking a lot, but please do what you can to not worry about this right now.  At the moment, there is no way to know what this is (it is just too small).  Plus it is very possible that it is nothing and will either disappear or stay the same on the next scan.  3mm is very tiny.  In order to confidently perform a lung needle biopsy, most doctors would need the nodule to be at least 1cm (it's not easy for them to hit such a tiny target with that needle).  Alternatively, you could do a surgical biopsy.  I did this but in my case I regret it (they did not know I had melanoma and were only concerned with the spot so during the biopsy when it was determined to be cancer they removed the entire lobe of my lung!  That would not have been the protocol if they had known I had melanoma going in so that would likely not happen to you).

In summary, the first time they find a spot, they can't really know anything.  It's the next set of scans that will provide useful comparative information (did it grow?  shrink?  stay the same? etc.).  If you must consider the worst-case-scenario, then also consider that if you are a person that will be responsive to the current treatments, you will respond to those treatments 3 or 4 months from now too.

Waiting is stressful and challenging, but stress by itself is immunosuppresant so please do what you can minimize the stress (yoga, meditation, deep breathing, watching funny movies, whatever works for you).  Right now you do NOT know this is melanoma.  So enjoy this time.  If you learn later that it is, you will have plenty of time to worry then.

Best of luck and health to you!

While I certainly understand your fears, Stephanie, I agree with those who say to wait until the next scan. Another CT done so soon after the last won't tell you much anyway, and I'm not sure your insurance would even cover the cost. 3 mm is quite small, so realistically it would be really unlikely to grow massive over the next four months, even if it did turn out to be a metastasis, so it wouldn't make much difference in terms of treatment. If it's too small to be biopsied right now, there isn't much to be done anyway. I know it has to be scary to just sit and wait, but maybe you could try to come up with a plan for boosting your immune system through a healthier diet, relaxation, etc. so that you feel like you're taking some action.

While I certainly understand your fears, Stephanie, I agree with those who say to wait until the next scan. Another CT done so soon after the last won't tell you much anyway, and I'm not sure your insurance would even cover the cost. 3 mm is quite small, so realistically it would be really unlikely to grow massive over the next four months, even if it did turn out to be a metastasis, so it wouldn't make much difference in terms of treatment. If it's too small to be biopsied right now, there isn't much to be done anyway. I know it has to be scary to just sit and wait, but maybe you could try to come up with a plan for boosting your immune system through a healthier diet, relaxation, etc. so that you feel like you're taking some action.

While I certainly understand your fears, Stephanie, I agree with those who say to wait until the next scan. Another CT done so soon after the last won't tell you much anyway, and I'm not sure your insurance would even cover the cost. 3 mm is quite small, so realistically it would be really unlikely to grow massive over the next four months, even if it did turn out to be a metastasis, so it wouldn't make much difference in terms of treatment. If it's too small to be biopsied right now, there isn't much to be done anyway. I know it has to be scary to just sit and wait, but maybe you could try to come up with a plan for boosting your immune system through a healthier diet, relaxation, etc. so that you feel like you're taking some action.

I have 2 non calcified nodules in my left lung, 2mm and 3 mm.  MD said  CT of chest every 6 months for 3 years. I have had 2 CT's so far and they are unchanged.  I really would not want anything invasive for nodules that are so small and very common in something like 50% of the population over 50.  

I have 2 non calcified nodules in my left lung, 2mm and 3 mm.  MD said  CT of chest every 6 months for 3 years. I have had 2 CT's so far and they are unchanged.  I really would not want anything invasive for nodules that are so small and very common in something like 50% of the population over 50.  

I have 2 non calcified nodules in my left lung, 2mm and 3 mm.  MD said  CT of chest every 6 months for 3 years. I have had 2 CT's so far and they are unchanged.  I really would not want anything invasive for nodules that are so small and very common in something like 50% of the population over 50.