CT scan uncovered a pulmonary nodule?

Question

I was hospitalized after a recent car accident and they did some CT scans. There were no injuries but they happened to uncover one pulmonary nodule on my right lung. The nurse did not describe it to me at all, even its size, but simply said that a lot of times it is nothing to worry about. Im only 18 years old. I have never been a smoker but many years ago, I was exposed to it almost regularly by my family. Im just wondering if anyone has any experience with these, and how likely it is to get a nodule from secondhand smoke. I dont recall ever having a serious lung issue/infection. Thanks.

Answer 1

Lung nodules about 60% of the time are benign. It could be caused by old scarring or infections. Just because it's on the lung, doesn't mean 100% of the time that it's lung cancer. I had nodules on my lung (22, non-smoker) and it ended up being Stage 4B Hodgkin's Lymphoma that spread to my lungs. I did grow up around second hand smoke, but it wasn't connected to Hodgkin's.

At 8 months pregnant, I'm not sure how much testing they'll do. I'm sure they'd let you have your baby before they do further testing. It doesn't sound like you're having any other health issues, so I'm sure you'll be ok to deliver.

I hope that helps. Congratulations on the baby and good luck with your diagnosis.