Five Pulmonary Nodules..what can you tell me? - Cancer: Lung Message Board

Jawz1982 · 03-20-2007, 02:40 PM

I am new on this site and I have some questions and concerns about a recent CT test I had. Five nodules...I am only 24 years old and worried!

Its started a few nights ago. I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible chest pain. I couldn't roll over, move my arm or breath without the pain becoming worse. It felt as though I had a running cramp in my chest, but the pain was way worse than a running cramp. My husband was going to call an ambulance, but after about 10-15 mins the pain subsided. We decided to go to the hospital that night to get it checked out anyway, just in case, because it was on the left hand side and I do have an existing, non-life threatening heart condition. My heart was fine, but they thought maybe I had a blood clot in my lung so that is the reason I got the CT. There were no blood clots, but they found five small nodules. Three in my left lung and two in my right lung. They recommended being referred to a specialist, which I am working on currently. This has made me very nervous and I need more info. I am only 24 years old, non-smoker and very athletic. I have had mild athsma all my life and grew up having bronchitis almost every spring and fall.

Could that be the cause of the nodules? What causes them? How dangerous are they? How aggressive should I be about getting them tested and treated? What kinds of tests/treatment should I be asking for? I have read a lot about singular nodules, but not much about multiple nodules, what could this mean?

I am worried that if I don't treat it the right way now, that it could be the beginning of lung cancer and I could be worse off down the road if I don't deal with it correctly now.

If anyone can help me deal with this and develop the right kinds of questions for my doctors, I would be greatful! Also, if you have info that could ease my worry, that would be great too!!

NovaF · 03-20-2007, 05:27 PM

Hi,
I'm brand new here too, but when I saw that you're my daughter's age, I wanted to write and let you know I'll be thinking of you.
Have you had an infection of any kind lately? A bad cold, bronchitis, etc.? Have you been on Steroids for your asthma?
I'm not a doctor, (just a "used-to-be" CNA), but I would think it very likely that something beside's cancer is causing your problem. You sound like you're in excellent shape, a non-smoker, etc., so that's all GOOD!
Please let us know what you find out. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts until we hear from you.
Nova

mabegb · 03-20-2007, 06:18 PM

jawz--- you definetely want to get to pulmologist and have it checked out as soon as possible. it very well could be many other things you just dont want to put it off. much more can be done the sooner you find out what you are dealing with. since you have quite a bit of respitory issues in the past you could be dealing with something other than lung cancer.
i wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers. let us know what you find out...........melissa

Jawz1982 · 03-20-2007, 08:49 PM

No, I have been very healthy and haven't had even a cold in a while. The most recent thing I can think of was about 3-4 summers ago I kept coughing and had a barky sound cough, but wasn't sick. Changed my asthma meds with no improvement. Finally figured out I had a respitory (my spelling is bad sorry!) infection and was on antibotics to clear that up. My asthma meds have a very low dose of steriods in it..maybe that's it. I did think of that. My asthma is very mild and controlled very well. Its mostly for when I have colds, playing sports or change in seasons.

Lots to think about anyway, but most of the replies have been positive and it has eased my mind, but I definately think I need to get it dealt with to be sure its nothing serious.

Thanks so much!!

susieq14 · 03-24-2007, 05:03 AM

Jawz,

can't offer any real insight what the nodules are but just wanted to encourage you to definitely see a pulmonologist about them. Also wanted to advise you to get copies of all bloodwork, x-ray and Ct test results. It is very important that you stay in control of what is happening and you cannot assume that the doctors are. I've had some bad experiences with my doctor never getting a copy of a test result and not calling me back etc. so you need to stay vigilant. I 'm sending you prayers and positive thoughts for good news.