My sister was told that the xray showed a nodule on her lung, what are the possibilities?

Question:

She has never smoked, but she does have rhematoid arthritis. She has had bronchitis for about two weeks. The bronchitis is doing better, but she has a ct scan tomorrow because of the nodule that was found. Could the nodule be pneumonia or the bronchitis. How likely is it to be cancer and what are the expectations if it is cancer.

Answers:
Both pneumonia and bronchitis are lower respiratory tracts infection. These are comon among elderly people. Both do not exhibit nodule. Dana Reeve, the wife of Christopher died from lung cancer. She was not a smoker. That's why cancer is considered a treacherous disease.

Lung( pulmonary) nodules are small masses of tissues in the lung. A lung nodule may just be a non-canerous growth (hemartoma. ) But some represnet an early stage of lung cancer. Non-cancerous causes of lung nodules include histoplamosis, a fungal infection, TB (tuberculosis lung cyst and vascular abnormalities.

The doctor may compare a current CXR(chest x-ray ) with previous x-ray.s. A nodule that appears in earlier x-rays and hasn't changed over many months or years, is probably non-canerous. However if a nodule is new and has changed in size and appearance,the Dr may recommend further testing to determine if it's cancerous. The CATscan(Computerized Tomography),PET ( POsition Emission Tomography and removal of tissue (biopsy) for exam under the microcsope.

Could be any of the things you mention also a non-malignant tumour, or the beginning of tubercolosis. But if it is described as a 'nodule' then it is small and the CT scan will clear-up what it is.

A very sensible decision - made in good time so whatever it turns out to be the prospects are good!

Nodules could be a many of things, they could be lymphnodes, it could be something very begnin from previous infections that may not have been detected before. If the CT scan comes back positive then they will do a biopsy, I would get a biopsy immediately if it is suspicious and always get a second opinion. If the CT scan comes back negative, i wouldnt forget about it. I would always get a second radiologist to look at it.....remember that radiologists are human and mistakes have been made! I will pray for your sister and i wish you all the luck!

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My sister was told that the xray showed a nodule on her lung, what are the possibilities?

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