I recently had a CT heart scan to determine calcification in blood vessels as my cholesterol is borderline high and my doctor told me if there was no calcification I would not need to take cholesterol medication. On CT scan reoport the radiologist reported that the scout image demonstartes an opacity within the right lower chest laterally. This is not visualized within the limits of today s field of view. Dedicated chest film is recommended. As a 58 year old former smoker(quit 16 years ago) this has me scared to death. I have no cough, no weight loss though I am trying to lose 5 pounds and I run 10-12 miles per week at 8 1/2 minute mile pace competeing in one race per month. I am scared it could be lung cancer. What else could it be?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist and get done CT thorax with contrast to know about right lower lobe mass. Possible causes for these are1. Benign cyst2. Old fibrotic scar3. Rounded pneumonia4. Pleural thickening or fibrosis5. Infected cyst.6. Malignant mass etc. So to rule out all these and to reach final diagnosis, CT thorax with contrast is needed. If mass is there than biopsy is also needed for confirmation of diagnosis.