HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Bronchoscopy Necessary To Remove Nodule In Left Middle Lobe?

pulmonologist suspects atypical form microbacterium by CT scan of chest. friend is on remicade, has RA, and unable to give sputum culture. No other symptoms. Friend never runs fevers. With RA, this person only gets chills. This person has had a RA positive test by blood. Pulmonologist recommends bronchoscopy, with cell washing, and may take a piece (biopsy). There was a 3 mm size nodule in left middle lobe.Question: What are possible outcomes if this person chooses not to have bronchoscopy? Can this person wait for a repeat scan later on, instead?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I want to ask you few questions
1. Age of your friend
2. Is he smoker
3. What are his symptoms and since how long he is having this.
If your friend is young, non smoker and not having any symptoms than I advice not to go for bronchoscopy at present. You can wait and get done repeat scan after 6 months.
But if he is smoker, old age and symptomatic than , no harm in bronchoscopy and BAL analysis and biopsy.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is Bronchoscopy Necessary To Remove Nodule In Left Middle Lobe?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I want to ask you few questions 1. Age of your friend 2. Is he smoker 3. What are his symptoms and since how long he is having this. If your friend is young, non smoker and not having any symptoms than I advice not to go for bronchoscopy at present. You can wait and get done repeat scan after 6 months. But if he is smoker, old age and symptomatic than , no harm in bronchoscopy and BAL analysis and biopsy.