How can nodal enlargement in lung be treated?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need advice after my second computed tomography (CT) chest result. Six months back, I went for a CT scan because I have got chest pain which suddenly comes and goes and I wanted to go for a check-up. The CT showed a right-sided nodule measuring 3 mm and was advised to radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) interval scan in six months. I have done the second CT, the previous nodule is still there and they found another one. In the left lower lobe (LLL), a 4 mm nodule is representative of an intrapulmonary lymph node. No suspicious lung lesion. Tiny 3 mm right lower lobe (RLL) nodule noted. No enlarged lymph nodes. Mild thymic hyperplasia. The partly visualized upper abdominal viscera appear unremarkable. No aggressive bony lesion. They said I do not need to do anything which is strange because there are two nodes now and the second one was not there six months ago. Do I need some kind of medicine therapy to clear my lung from this node or do I need to check if it is growing or not after one year?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. According to guidelines when there is a single nodule in the lung of size less than 3 mm we ask to follow up in six months for repeat computed tomography (CT). In the repeat CT, if we find any enlargement of the nodule or any new developments we usually ask for a biopsy of the existing nodule. That is how we practice. So, I think you should repeat your CT after six months and if the size increases, you should get a biopsy done.