Hi,
The follow-up CT scan is a good idea. The nodule is not that big, based on size alone, it is not likely to be
malignant. Monitoring is a valid option, even if you have a smoking history. On a more positive note, if
you’ve quit more than 15 years ago, your risk is no longer as high as it used to be (compared to the time you
were actively smoking).
If you had a CT scan of the abdomen with the bottom segments of the chest only captured by the scan, it may be
better to do a chest CT scan, to be sure that is the only pertinent finding. It would be difficult to
interpret a subsequent chest CT, if changes will be based on a partial section only. If you can have the scan
done in a large volume center (a place where thoracic surgeries are commonplace) the radiologists may provide
better interpretations.