Lung Nodules

Lung nodules, which are frequently yet unintentionally found during imaging exams, can be a cause of worry for a lot of individuals. Without much information, it can be a reason for harm to them. The nature, origins, and possible hazards of these tiny, oval, or round growths in the tissue of the lungs, which are generally smaller than 3 centimeters in diameter, can be questioned. To know more about the Lung nodules and its treatment option consult Dr Arvind Kumar.  

A lung nodule is defined as a "spot" on the lung that is 3 cm (about 1 inches) in diameter or less. If an abnormality is seen on an x-ray of the lungs that is larger than 3 cm, it is considered a "lung mass" instead of a nodule.

Larger lung nodules or lung masses are more likely to be cancerous. Lung nodules usually need to be at least 1 cm in size before they can be seen on a chest x-ray.

Symptoms of Lung Nodules

Lung nodules typically dont manifest any signs of their own. Typically, they are stumbled upon during regular medical imaging procedures. On the other hand, if a lung nodule grows or causes certain issues, 

it might result in symptoms like:

• Cough: Chronic or persistent coughing.
• Chest Pain: Severe or dull chest pain, particularly when inhaling deeply.
• Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness, particularly when exerting oneself.
• wheezing: Whistling breathing noises.
• Hemoptysis: The coughing up of blood or sputum that has blood stains in it.

Lung nodules are quite common, and are found on 1 in 500 chest x-rays, and 1 in 100 CT scans of the chest. Roughly half of smokers over the age of 50 will have nodules on a CT scan of their chest. Lung nodules can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Many lung nodules do not have any symptoms and are found "accidentally" when a chest x-ray is done for some other reason. Symptoms of Lung nodules include cough or coughing up blood.

Diagnosis of Lung Nodules

Different medical imaging exams, including chest X-rays, CT scans, and sometimes PET scans, frequently reveal lung nodules. These imaging tests give doctors precise views of the lungs that enable them to spot nodules and evaluate their features.

Chest X-rays: These common imaging exams can identify lung nodules, but they are less accurate than CT scans in spotting small nodules or ones in particular lung regions.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are quite good at spotting lung nodules. Healthcare practitioners can evaluate the size, form, and placement of the nodules thanks to the precise cross-sectional pictures they give.

PET Scans: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are frequently utilized to ascertain the cancerousness of lung nodules. By assessing the metabolic processes of the nodules, this examination can assist in identifying benign from malignant nodules.

When lung nodules are found, more testing is usually required to ascertain their nature and the best course of treatment.

A CT scan of the chest or a PET scan can help in determining the cause. However, the final answer lies in Biopsy of the nodule, via

• Bronchoscopy - if the nodule is near one of your airways
• A needle biopsy - if the nodule is located near the outside of your lungs
• Lung surgery - Robotic / VATS (Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) or Thoracotomy.