Diagnostic Tests

[venacava1214]

About a month ago I had an MRI to see if I had any damage to my spine due to a car accident. My back was fine but the results of the MRI said that I had a 2mm spot that could either be a solitary lung nodule in my lower right lobe or a spot in my liver, I guess the radioligist couldnt exactly see where or what it was. I was a light smoker for 7 years(about 2-5 cigarettes a day) so I was a bit worried. My doctor scheduled me for a CT scan and said I would need a followup CT later down the road to check for any change in size. When I researched the CT scan and found out how high the radiation exposure is from a Chest CT, I got scared and canceled the CT. I am 32 years old and am trying to get pregnant and the idea of exposing myself to that much radiation for something so small that may or may not be in my lung seems illogical. I also know that people that lived in the Ohio river valley have higher chances of benign lung nodules especially if they worked on a farm, which I did. My questions are am I being silly by not getting the CT scan, should I just get one? Does anyone know if are there any alternatives to see if this 2mm nodule is even there and if it is in my lung or liver? Any help would be great!

[Davy9]

The MRI study was focused on searching for spinal damage and that nodule must have been in some nearby proximity. I believe that another MRI focused on the area around the nodule itself would be more definitive. See if that is an option.

You should get the nodule diagnosed if warranted. The start on that journey is a clearer image of it. This is exactly why medical science developed these non-invasive imaging studies. Do the CT scan if that is the best option. If it turns out to be something of concern early intervention is a great advantage. It might be nothing or this might be a really lucky coincidental finding.

[garytoh]

I recommend that you should go for a CT scan ,another alternative is to see a plastic surgeon, he may be able to help you out. But , i repeat it is necessary that you should check what that is ? if you are worried ,consult with your doctor about the impact of radition