Nodular Opacity.

[windywillow]

I recently had a second chest xray following the discovery of a shadow on my lung.

Conclusion of the second xray report reads as follows:

///The nipple markers are projected over the upper abdomen and not within the vicinity of the previously described nodular opacity. The nodular opacity is however no longer appreciated.///

Is this good or bad news? Could anyone clarify please? TIA.x

 

[barry1010]

Windy, I have no idea what it means so can't help at all.

I just wanted to say how much I dislike receiving a copy of the results and letters sent to my GP before I have been told face to face, where everything is explained and questions are answered.

These letters cause a lot of worry and confusion.  I can access my medical records online with Patient Access where all such letters are recorded with my GPs comments, such as no further action, normal, abnormal, appointment needed/not needed.  I don't know if you have the same facility but it could be of help.

You need to contact your GP.  I hope it is good news 

 

[newmodarmy]

I'd be cautiously optimistic. I'd read it as the previously described nodular opacity isn't close to your nipples.

Also the nodular opacity hasn't increased (appreciated).

I read this "If a lung nodule is small and it isn't growing, it's not likely to be cancer. It probably doesn't need treatment. Your health care provider may look at past imaging tests to see if the nodule is new or changed. You might need periodic CT scans to see if the nodule grows."

However I agree that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I've known someone jump to wrong conclusions and worry themselves sick by misinterpreting these things with the 'help' of Dr Google.

Hopefully your doctor will be explain it to you, but there's nothing alarming in there to me.

[Khandro]

Oh how we miss Sqad (last activity 30th Nov.)

W.W. If you don't get an answer soon, I can email it to one of my best friends who is a GP in Strasbourg.

[newmodarmy]

Peter Pedant should be able to contribute something if he sees this thread

[windywillow]

Thank you so much for replies, it's very good of you all to take the trouble.

Barry, I have Patient Access too and I read it last night online.

The GP's receptionist has just rang me with a message from the doc ....."X-ray normal, no further action". She didn't elaborate further so I'm hoping it's nothing to worry about.

Thanks again, all. x

 

[barry1010]

That is good news. I firmly believe the printed results should only be given to the patient after it's been explained to them. 

[windywillow]

Barry, I agree.

[jno]

I guess that's good news but I'd probably still be asking "Okay, what's the shadow then?"

[calmck]

Nipple markers can be used in X-rays to mark the edge of the nipple. Reading your post the nipple markers in the second X-ray were over the abdomen and not where the first X-ray showed modular opacity. I think this means that the markers were placed differently in the two X-rays and nothing was found in the second one. I woiuld however ask to speak to your doctor to clarify if this is correct. I am not an expert in radiology, just an ex nurse who has seen this happen before before anyone says I should not be diagnosing, which I am not but I have read many X-ray reports. 

[windywillow]

That crossed my mind too, Jno.

After discussing it at length with my OH (and being thankful that I've been given 2 x-rays in less than a month) I've decided, rightly or wrongly, to cross my fingers and hope the doc is right and no further action's needed.

[windywillow]

Sorry calmck, didn't see you there. Thanks for your reply. The first x-ray was done without nipple markers.

[Peter Pedant]

good

not appreciated means they cant see it now

( speaking as a walk-in ABer and not a radiiologist)

[Peter Pedant]

fr'instance a bad one ( mine)

"there is a 5 cm spiculated lesion in the right mid zone which is concerning. Transverse fissure tented but no pleural effusion. There are no bony metastases - the  radiographer has placed him on the fast-track lung cancer track"

yours is good - have a good x mas

[windywillow]

Thank you for your answer, Peter. I am so sorry to hear your bad news. x

[Khandro]

PP. Bad news, sorry to hear that - good luck!

[Peter Pedant]

currently having CAR-T therapy and we will see...( rediagnosed at the Christie as R-R lymphoma

many thanks for your best wishes

[windywillow]

Best of luck with your treatment, Peter.