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What Are The Chances Of Non Calcified Opacity In Lung Being Malignant?

Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015

Question: How likely is a 5mm non calcified opacity in the upper lung being malignant? There is a history of histoplasmosis. There are numerous calcified nodules showing. Non smoker or drinker. No second hand smoke.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

This is unlikely to be cancer. May be related to old histoplasmosis as well.

However, it may be prudent to get a repeat CT after few months. Your doctor has planned for CT after six months, which is fine.

Hope this helps. I will be available for followup.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (9 minutes later)

Dr. Ghosh- thank you for your quick response. Your answer is consistent with what my regular doctor said. It is obviously reassuring. What, in your experience and knowledge of lung cancers, leads you to believe, and I am very happy that you do, that this is not a malignant nodule? Thank you again for getting back to me so quickly. I appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
see below

Detailed Answer:
Some criteria like size more than 1 cm, spiculated borders, smoking history, change over time may suggest possibility of cancer. Also in your case the old histoplasmosis can be one cause of the nodule.

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar