Took chemo radiation, surgery for esophageal cancer, CT showed nodes in mediastinum. Explanation ?
Patient: my husband just went thru chemo radiation and surgery for esophageal cancer they took 3 inches of the lower esophagus and the top half of his stomach and all kinds of nodes and stuff in the surrounding area taken out he just had a ct with contrast that showed he has subcentimeter nodes in the mediastinum , noncalcified nodules in the interval , granulomatous disease , hepatic steatosis , right adrenal nodule adenoma , calcified granuloma , ill-defined subpleural density can someone please explain these findings to me Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in.Hope your husband is responding well to the chemoradiation for esophageal cancer.Let me explain the imaging findings in simple language.1. CT scan with contrast that showed he has subcentimeter nodes in the mediastinum: These are very small nodes and need to be observed for any change in size or number in the future. The esophagus can drain into these nodes and this is used in nodal staging of cancer.2. Noncalcified nodules in the interval , granulomatous disease: This signifies old infections in the region. Nothing serious.3. Hepatic steatosis: Fat accumulation in the liver. Not a serious finding.4. Right adrenal nodule adenoma: Non cancerous nodule is seen in the right adrenal gland ?hyperfunctioning.5. Ill-defined subpleural density: Some small thickening noted above the diaphragm, size and location need to be known to call it significant.Hope this helps.