Why wouldnt a thoracic surgeon do surgery on a lung nodule 1.4 2.7 suv.pet, ct , x rays , blood tests.he said not at the moment.advice please lwaiting is h-?

Question revisited: Sorry for the last answer provided. I read into your question incorrectly- that you had already had a lung nodule biopsied! i agree with the answers from 2 other docs!

Watching closely: The incidence of finding a cancer in a solitary lung nodule measuring 0.8 to 2.0 cm is about 18%. It is much more likely malignant if it growing in size over a period of time (3, 6, 12 mons). Some surgeons may repeat a scan and reevaluate later if it gives more impetus to go ahead with a relatively risky surgery!

Consider risks.: A solitary pulmonary nodule may be benign or malignant. Older age (>50), smoking history, and size >8mm increase the risk of cancer. A low suv on pet/ct, certain types of ct findings can suggest lower risk. If not high risk, a repeat scan in 3 months for a larger nodule with low suv is reasonable. If the nodule grows it must be biopsied. If no change, follow with serial scans.

Risk vs benefit: "a surgeon is a physician who knows how to operate and when not to." perhaps a hundred million people in the usa have a lung nodule if you look hard enough, especially with today's imaging techniques. I've seen the numbers crunched and been satisfied that there's almost no risk and much to gain from just-watching nodules that might perhaps be early cancers. Get a few more opinions & good luck.

Surg is not trivial: Surgeons are very smart, and the good ones are appropriately conservative. Thoracic surgeons manage lung nodules every day. Every patient who undergoes surgery is at risk for complications, so if surgery can be avoided, it should be.

Discussion: Highly recommend discussion with your thoracic surgeon. Seems like you lack confidence and/or understanding in him. May be risk vs benefit concern. If he performs vats, details of lung nodule and ability to employ vats may impact decision. Many "traditional" surgeons perform most operations by thorocotomy. This must be considered when possibility exists of benign lesion.

Many reasons: If in doubt, get a second opinion. http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/surgery/specialties/cardio/thoracicsurgery.html.

Ask the surgeon: I would recommend asking the surgeon directly. This may depends on the appearance of the nodule on ct. Is there fat and/or calcifications in it. I assume the suv on pet is 2.7. This is neither high or low. Is the nodule large enough or accessible by ct guided percutaneous biopsy?