My husband recently had a low dose ct lung cancer screening that found ‘mild to moderate centrilobular emphysematous changes’. The doctor who ordered the screening only sent a message that said the results showed nodules that were benign and to do follow up ct in a year. When asked if the findings meant he had emphysema he just responded ‘yes’. No referral or further info.
My husband shrugged it off, concluding if the doctor isn’t concerned, he shouldn’t be. I, on the other hand, am beside myself.
I found a pulmonologist who takes self referral, but the appointment is a month out. So that left me sorting through studies on the web that basically have me convinced that it’s just a matter of time before he develops lung cancer.
We quit smoking 5 years ago, and I really thought we had dodged this!
I’m not worried about the progression of emphysema so much as the dismally high association with cancer for centrilobular emphysema detected on ct, which I’m not even certain where we stand on that diagnosis based on the language used. I’m even more confused after I saw another post here somewhere where someone had multiple CT’s with some showing emphysema and others not. I’m seeing conflicting info about whether it can be diagnosed with ct alone.
Mostly I just need perspective from people who have lived this.