Question: I recently had a follow-up CT of my lungs after incidental findings of lung nodules on a CT scan performed in response to severe abdominal pain 2 weeks ago. My question is how can the radiologist call them "stable" when they are new in the last 12 months since my last CT scan and because they haven't been monitored for growth at all, given that they were just found. Here is the report:
CT-CHEST WO CONTRAST, 10/6/2014 5:09 PM.

Reason for exam: 793.19: Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field

History: Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field, nodule.

Comparison: CT abdomen of 9/27/2014 and 10/3/2013.

Technical factors: Axial noncontrast imaging of the chest was performed.

Findings: There are stable tiny lingula and left lower lobe lung nodules measuring not more than 0.2 cm each. Small cluster is seen in the lingula on image #26 and another small cluster is seen in the left lower lobe on image #30. The lingula nodules were however not imaged on the 10/3/2013 study. There is no other significant pulmonary, pleural or mediastinal pathology seen. No hilar or mediastinal mass or adenopathy is seen on noncontrasted imaging. No pleural fluid is demonstrated.

The thoracic cage and extrathoracic soft tissues appear unremarkable.

The adrenal glands are unremarkable. Patient is status post cholecystectomy.

Impression
Stable small clusters of tiny lingula and left lower lobe lung nodules measuring not more than 0.2 cm each. No acute process in the chest is demonstrated on noncontrasted CT.

Thank you!