Grandfather has spot on lung XRay / CT

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Specializes in PCU, ICU, PACU.

My mother just got a phone call from my grandmother concerning a recent development with my gradfather and I would like the opinion of some oncology nurses. I have no experience with this and have not reached this in nursing school, so I can't reasure Mom or myself.

At his annual checkup with his doctor he requested a Chest XRay because his father died of lung cancer at the same age. The chest xray showed a spot in the right lung. CT showed a soft tissue spot of 4mm.

Refered to lung specialist. This DR says that it is too small to biopsey, won't show on a PET scan, and all we can do is wait. He wants another CT/XRAY in 4 months.

Obviously the family is rather upset. With my grandfather's family history of lung cancer, a history of occupational exposure to chemicals including pesticides, fungicides, and welding fumes as a farmer, I am concerned to say the least.

Is the Dr's advice to wait good? Or is there something my grandfather should do? Somewhere to go?

Thanks,

Jessica

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