I had a chest CT in September 2013 which revealed a 7.5x7mm upper left lung nodule with some stippled calcifications. Dr recommended a repeat scan in 3 months. In December 2013 I had follow up CT which showed it had grown to 9mm with mild dependent atelectasis. Dr then said we would do another scan in 6 months. I am 29 years old and have smoked for 10+ years. I have pain in back and shoulder on left side which led me to the first scan. I also cough up phlegm daily. Dr doesn t seem too concerned based on my age. Is this likely benign (given the growth) or possibly cancerous? Should I push for a pet scan or just the usual ct in a few weeks?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. At your age lung malignancy is rare but since you are smoking (more than 10 years), possibility of malignancy can not be rule out. So better to get done follow-up CT scan. Also get done sputum examination for malignant cells. As it can be positive in early stages of cancer. And please quit smoking.  It will only harm your body. And chances of malignancy will be more if you continue smoking.  So better to quit it as soon as possible.