Have you been dealing with a lingering cough, unexplained chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, and were surprised when your doctor mentioned finding a “nodule” on your lung scan? Pulmonary nodules, also known as lung nodules, are abnormal growths in the lungs. They usually don’t cause any symptoms, are non-cancerous, and don’t spread to other parts of the body.
Some nodules may need close monitoring and prompt treatment depending on their size and underlying cause.
In this blog, let’s explore what pulmonary nodules are, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is a Pulmonary (Lung) Nodules?
A lung nodule is a spot which is small, round, or oval growth in the lung. These small growths are visible on a CT scan and are less than 3 cm in diameter. Nodules that are larger than 3 cm are classified as masses and can be cancerous.
Lung nodules are common and can be found in 1 out of every 3 chest scans.
These lung nodules look different from the normal lung tissue. They are of two types:
- Benign nodules: These are non-cancerous and are caused by infections or inflammations.
- Malignant nodules: These are cancerous which is associated with lung cancer or cancer that has spread from another part of the body.
Symptoms of Lung Nodules
Generally, small lung nodules rarely cause any symptoms, but if the nodule is large and malignant, it may lead to:
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Recurring respiratory infections
It is crucial to seek medical attention for further evaluation if these symptoms occur persistently.
Causes of Pulmonary Nodules
Some common causes of pulmonary nodules are:
- Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections, such as tuberculosis, can cause inflammation that results in nodules.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can lead to clusters of inflamed cells that appear as nodules.
- Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors such as hamartomas and lipomas may develop in lung tissue and appear as nodules.
- Previous Infections: Scar tissue from previous infections or injuries can lead to the development of nodules.
- Cancerous Tumors: Small-cell lung cancer can cause pulmonary nodules. Nodules may also represent metastatic cancer, cancer that has spread from another organ to the lungs.
Risk Factors for Cancerous Nodules
Various risk factors increase the likelihood that a lung nodule may be cancerous:
- Older age
- Smoking history
- Family history of cancer
- Size and growth of a lung nodule
- Exposure to nickel, cadmium, or arsenic
Diagnosis
When a lung nodule is found after getting a screening test, some further tests are required to evaluate whether it is benign or malignant:
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: It helps to get a detailed image of the nodules to assess the shape and size.
- PET Scan: It helps to determine if the nodule is metabolically active.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken to be examined under the microscope.
- Sputum Cytology: It is the analysis of the mucus from the lungs to reveal cancerous cells.
Treatment Options
For Non-cancerous Nodules
- If the nodule size is smaller than 0.6 cm and has a low cancer risk, routine monitoring is recommended with regular CT scans to check the growth and shape of the nodule.
- If the nodule has developed due to a bacterial and fungal infection, treating the infection is the best approach with targeted medications.
For Cancerous Nodules
- The treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer.
- Usually, the nodule may be removed surgically (thoracotomy).
- Other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy may also be recommended.
How to Prevent Pulmonary Nodules?
There is no possible way to prevent lung nodules. However, by taking adequate measures, one can reduce its risk:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid radon exposure
- Avoid chemical exposure, such as arsenic, chromium, or asbestos
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Also Read:- Best Pulmonologists in India
Final Words
Pulmonary nodules are common findings and are often harmless. Still, it’s important to evaluate them properly and monitor them closely, especially in high-risk individuals. With advancements in imaging and minimally invasive diagnostics, early detection and treatment have become more effective than ever.
