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Is CT Scan Showing Endobronchial Lesion, Inspissated Secretions And Fibronodular Scarring Due To History Of Pneumonia And Bronchitis?

Posted on Wed, 3 Oct 2018

Question: Hello, A recent low dose chest CT showed a 3mm endobronchial nodule in the right upper lobe, inspissated secretions versus true endobronchial lesion and bilateral apical fibronodular scarring. Will not be able to speak to my doctor until Monday and needless to say, I'm a bit nervous. This was not present in a chest CT I had in 2014. I had bronchitis last February and am a smoker. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach/upload the chest CT images for further evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I can understand your concern.

As you explain the history this nodule is very small in its dimensions. It might be an incidental finding in the chest CT. For this, we recommend a follow up after 3-6 months with CT-scan.

As you have been a smoker, for the cough you should get a Spirometry test done. Usually, we recommend it to smokers or ex-smokers.

But it would be better for me to review the CT images in details.

Please attach them here and I will try my best to assist you further.You can simply upload them to the Reports section of this web page.

Regards and feel free to ask me again.

Dr. Jolanda, Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (2 hours later)

I have no idea how to upload a disc and send it to you on the computer. I had the Spirometry test done and have mild COPD/chronic bronchitis but my breathing function is "not too bad". What does inspissated secretions versus true endobronchial lesion and bilateral fibronodular scarring indicate and mean in conjunction with the nodule? Thank you doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue discussion.

Detailed Answer:

Hi again,

Ok no problem.

The scarring and the nodule are related and they are signs of probably past infections of the lungs.

But the secretions are related to COPD and not to the nodule itself.

A repeated chest CT after 3 months will be advised for you for sure.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,

Dr. Jolanda, Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (4 hours later)

I had pneumonia 13 years ago and bronchitis over 30 years ago, so I assume the infection you mentioned is due to the bronchitis I had last year because my chest CT in 2014 was normal. I guess my last questions are...how serious is this and are my results common in smokers? Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Continue discussion.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

No these findings are not serious.

If in the repeated CT is the same nodule in the same parameters than no worries.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Jolanda, Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng