A pulmonary nodule is small area of abnormal tissue in the lung. It's usually found on an X-ray taken for other reasons. It's a single spot (lesion) up to about an inch in size, surrounded by normal lung tissue.
Most nodules are not cancer (benign). But a nodule could be an early stage of lung cancer. Or it may be a sign of cancer that has spread from another part of the body. When a nodule is found on a chest X-ray, you will need more testing to find out if it's benign or if it's cancer . To give your healthcare provider more information about the nodule, you may have one or more of these tests:
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Comparing new X-rays to earlier X-rays
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Chest CT scan
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PET scan
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Bronchoscopy. This is a test that lets the healthcare provider see the air passages in the lung. They pass a scope with a camera at the end through the mouth into the lungs.
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Needle biopsy
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Lung surgery or minimally invasive lung surgery such as thoracoscopy. This is a procedure that lets the surgeon take a portion of lung tissue through small incisions between the ribs.
Test results
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If your nodule is benign, continued follow-up over the next 2 years is usually advised.
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If tests don't determine whether your nodule is benign or malignant, you may need surgery.
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If tests show that the nodule is definitely malignant, you will probably need surgery. Often surgery will be advised without a biopsy if the other testing strongly suggests that the nodule is a cancer.
The best survival rates from lung cancer occur when the original tumor is small (less than 1 inch). Follow your healthcare provider's advice on the timing of further testing. Prompt treatment gives the best chance of curing lung cancer.
Prevention
Smoking remains one of the biggest risk factors for lung cancer. If you smoke, it's essential that you quit to lower your risk of lung cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about things that can help you quit, including medicines and support groups. See the following website for more information:
Home care
Home care will depend on the diagnosis and the treatment used. Most people with a pulmonary nodule have no symptoms. If no special home care is required, you may return to your usual activities and diet.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
More information about lung cancer is available from these resources:
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American Lung Association at www.lung.org or 800-586-4872
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National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher , or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Unintended weight change
Call 911
Call
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Coughing up blood
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Feeling of doom
