“Lung nodule growth?”
I have recurring pneumonia which got me referred to a pulmonologist. They did an MRI on 9/13/21 and found six lung nodules ranging from 4mm-10mm. Rescan is in three months. My family dr did an MRI on 10/02/21 for bulging discs. Today she tells me that my nodules have grown 2mm since my original MRI and my lymph nodes are now swollen. She is calling my pulmonologist to get me to see her sooner. Should I now be concerned it possibly cancer? I have lost 8lbs in a week. My dr says it could be water weight. I’m so worried. Are 2mm growth in almost two months and swollen lymph nodes lead to cancer?
Female | 42 years old
Complaint duration: 2 months
Conditions: Lung nodules
3 Answers
Yes there are reasons for concern. Follow with paleontologist for a PET SCAN
Enlarging lung nodules is ever a good thing. Do you smoke? Do you have other lung CA risk factors/family history? At 42, you're relatively young for lung CA, but caution is advised. You will likely get a chest CT every 6 months for a period of two years....this is called the Fleischner Society Protocol.
All the best.
All the best.
Hi,
I definitely understand your concern. But there are many things that can cause lung nodules and swollen lymph nodes to include infection. Since you had prior pneumonia, it could be that. Until you have a complete work-up, it’s really hard to tell. I know it’s hard to stay calm and not worry about the worst, but things being more common, it’s probably infectious.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Cox
I definitely understand your concern. But there are many things that can cause lung nodules and swollen lymph nodes to include infection. Since you had prior pneumonia, it could be that. Until you have a complete work-up, it’s really hard to tell. I know it’s hard to stay calm and not worry about the worst, but things being more common, it’s probably infectious.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Cox
