Some time again, I observed a lump in my groin. It got here with a burning sensation—exhausting to disregard, as you may think. Involved, I introduced it up with my physician, who promptly ordered an ultrasound. The scan confirmed the lump—after which, as a result of life loves a twist, discovered two extra. Oh, goody. The probabilities ranged from a easy an infection to lymphoma and even metastatic most cancers.
Naturally, my first thought was, If it’s an an infection, an antibiotic ought to clear it up. Can’t we simply strive that? I wasn’t simply being impatient; I used to be doing psychological math. The ultrasound had already drained $500 from my pockets, and I figured a CT scan would tack on one other $800. However my physician insisted on ruling out the large scary potentialities, so CT scans of my pelvis, stomach, and chest have been ordered.
Fortunately, the outcomes introduced large aid: no proof of most cancers anyplace in my physique. The one lumps have been the unique three in my groin. And as a pleasant bonus, I bought an in depth scan of my lungs—an sudden treasure for an bronchial asthma geek like me.
So, what did my CT present?
My Airway Anatomy: Unremarkable!
In medical lingo, “unremarkable” is definitely a praise.
- Base of Neck & Axillae: No lymph node enlargement.
- Mediastinum & Hila: No lymph node enlargement right here, both.
- Esophagus: Completely unremarkable. (Once more, that is excellent news!)
- Cardiovascular: The guts is regular in measurement. No fluid surrounding it. The thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery look nice.
The Lungs:
Right here’s the place issues get attention-grabbing.
I’ve some lung markings, however nothing the radiologist deemed regarding. Naturally, my asthma-obsessed mind began spinning: Might these markings be remnants of previous extreme bronchial asthma assaults? Let’s break it down.
Particular Findings
The Good Stuff
- No infiltrates, which suggests no fluid or indicators of an infection.
- No ominous growths or different scary findings.
For somebody with a historical past of bronchial asthma, these outcomes are reassuring. My lungs might need a couple of quirks, however total, they’re nonetheless doing their job like champs!
What About COPD?
Right here’s the place I get to do a cheerful dance: No proof of COPD! That is one thing I’ve anxious about, particularly since bronchial asthma can typically progress to COPD. However my CT says no findings of emphysema or smoking-related lung injury. Yippee for me!
Pleural House & Chest Wall:
- Pleural House: No pleural effusions (fluid buildup) or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
- Chest Wall: Degenerative modifications and scoliosis in my backbone—however nothing sudden for somebody my age.
Possibly my academics have been onto one thing after they nagged me about posture in my youthful days. Notice to self: Sitting up straight might need been definitely worth the effort!
Ultimate Ideas
Surprisingly, my CT scan ended up being free. My physician submitted a particular request for insurance coverage approval, and it got here by means of—no price to me.
As for the lumps in my groin, they’ll want additional monitoring. My physician really useful a biopsy to get extra solutions, so he referred me to a surgeon. Let’s simply say I’m not precisely thrilled about that.
I’ll share all the small print about my appointment with the surgeon—and what he needed to say—in my subsequent put up. Keep tuned!