Why continue to repeat CT lung scans?

Have multiple noncalcified lung nodules. Have had 1 PET scan which was benign. Have had CT lung scans every 6 mos for the past 4 yrs (with and without contrast). Why should I continue to have these scans?

Depends of the size, number and others characteristics of the nodules.

Doctors check this using CT.

Its true the concept "all patients are different", but if you read the "Guidelines for Management of Small Pulmonary Nodules Detected on CT Scans: A Statement from the Fleischner Society" (Radiology 2005; 237: 395-400)

You see they recommend the follow up, IN GENERAL, 1 CT per year for 2 years.

OBVIOUSLY exists exceptions.

Ask to your doctor, maybe yoour nodules are more than 8 mm.

Regards

Wow, that's a lot of radiation going into your body with the CT scans every 6 months. Does your doctor want to monitor the nodules because he/she suspects them to be pre-cancerous? I would really do some homework on those nodules. Contact the American Lung Association.

You need a thoracic surgeon.If the nodules seems benign there is not need for these serial ct scanning,and if they seems malignant you must go for thoracoscopy or bronchoscopy for biopsy of the tumors.Even there is a doubt about the benign conditions such as sarcoidosis,the biopsy of the lesions will be effective for diagnosis.

First, you should be asking your doctor this question. I work for a Pulmonary Doctor and there are times that he does have patients get repeat CT scans every 6 months for a couple of years to make sure there is no change in the pulmonary nodule that was found. Usually if there is no change he will have the patient repeat the CT scan on a yearly basis. Each patient is different, so I would suggest talking to you doctor about your concerns as to why you are having these so often.