If a lung nodule hasn't grown in 5 months, is vats surgery still needed 1.4 -2.7 suv or is my doctor being over cautious?

It depends: While lack of change in size and low suv on pet scan suggests benign nodule and can wait for definitive diagnosis, this approach may not necessarily be a correct one for every situation. Smoking history, family history, risk of surgery etc need to be factored in. Ultimately, after thoroughly discussing pros and cons, the patient is the decision-maker. Occasionally malignant tumor can be very.

Depends: Normally we watch these nodules at 3 months, 6 months and a year. If they don't grow over a 2 year period, they are considered stable and no further follow up is needed. You are not there yet. Whether you go to vats depends on your and your doctor's level of anxiety and your risk of cancer.

Individualized care: All lung nodule patients should be thoroughly evaluated, monitored, and treated by a comprehensive multidisciplinary thoracic surgical oncology program. It is critical you speak with your team. They should be able to tell you their concerns, the risks and benefits, and what they feel (and why), specific to you is the best approach/next steps.