Small lung nodules rarely cause symptoms. If the growth presses against the airway, you may cough, wheeze or struggle to catch your breath. Also rarely, you could experience signs that might indicate early stage lung cancer (cancer that hasn't spread outside the lung).
If a lung nodule is small and it isn't growing, it's not likely to be cancer. It probably doesn't need treatment. Your health care provider may look at past imaging tests to see if the nodule is new or changed. You might need periodic CT scans to see if the nodule grows.
Benign lung nodules and tumors don't often cause symptoms, and they're often found accidentally on an imaging test. If they do cause symptoms, they can cause: Shortness of breath. Wheezing.
Typically, lung nodules are not associated with any symptoms, which is why doctors almost always discover them accidentally during a chest X-ray or CT scan. If a patient has symptoms, they are likely caused by the condition that led to the development of the lung nodule, rather than the lung nodule itself.
Do lung nodules cause pain? Pain is rare, especially if the nodule is very small. A CT scan will reveal even the tiniest of nodules, and your doctor can then correlate it with your symptoms. Rarely, if the nodule is near a rib, there could be associated pain.
How are lung nodules managed or treated? Small, noncancerous lung nodules don't usually require treatment. You may need treatments, such as antibiotics or antifungal medications, if you have an infection. If the nodule grows, causes problems or is cancerous, you may need surgery.
The Mechanics of Pulmonary Nodules
A cancerous nodule is a lesion or “sore” that steadily engulfs more and more of the structures of the lung. Over time the patient will experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.
The location of the lung nodule may guide the care team in evaluating possible risk, and studies indicate that nodules in the upper lobe may be more indicative of cancer. However, not all nodules in the upper region of the lung are cancerous, and not all nodules located elsewhere are benign.
Most lung nodules don't cause any symptoms and are often found on a chest X-ray or CT scan performed for another reason. If symptoms are present, they may include: Coughing. Coughing up blood.
In the vast majority of cases, lung nodules turn out to be small benign scars, indicating the site of a previous small area of infection. These nodules may be permanent or may even spontaneously disappear by the time of the next scan. Most are of absolutely no consequence.
Lung nodules typically have no signs or symptoms and are only found incidentally during a medical exam, chest X-ray or CT scan that is done during a routine visit or for another lung concern. Typically, a lung nodule isn't a cause for concern. Less than 5 percent of nodules are found to be cancerous (or malignant).
Lung nodules can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most benign lung nodules result from inflammation due to infections or illnesses. When your lungs become inflamed, tiny masses of tissue can develop.
Nodules between 6 mm and 10 mm need to be carefully assessed. Nodules greater than 10 mm in diameter should be biopsied or removed due to the 80 percent probability that they are malignant. Nodules greater than 3 cm are referred to as lung masses.
Generally speaking, malignant nodules grow fast, usually doubling in size in just six months. Nodules that grow slower are less likely to be cancerous. Inflammation in the lung resulting from an infection or disease. An infectious fungus, a lung abscess and even tuberculosis can cause nodules in the lungs.
Around 95% of lung nodules cause no symptoms. These growths are usually too small to interfere with breathing. However, the underlying health issue responsible for the nodule may cause symptoms. For example, if a person has an infection, they may have a fever, a cough, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Larger lung nodules, or nodules located near an airway, may have symptoms such as a chronic cough, blood-tinged mucus and saliva, shortness of breath, fever or wheezing.
In some cases, lung cancer can inflame the lining of the lungs or, tumours can press on the spinal column causing pain in the back, shoulder, neck or side.
Nodules with 6-8 mm in diameter should be monitored after 6-12 months, and, if they do not increase, 18-24 months after the first examination. Patients with multiple pulmonary nodules should be monitored based on the diameter of the largest nodule.
Importance: Pulmonary nodules are identified in approximately 1.6 million patients per year in the US and are detected on approximately 30% of computed tomographic (CT) images of the chest.
Pulmonary nodules are common incidental findings on imaging
About 30% of all chest computed tomography (CT) scans contain one or more pulmonary nodules. Larger nodules can also be seen on chest radiographs.
Benign lung nodules can be caused by inflammation from a number of conditions. They include: Bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or aspergillosis.
Hamartomas are the most common type of benign lung nodule. They account for about 55% of all benign lung tumors, and 8% of all lung tumors. About 80% are found in the outer portion of the lung's connective tissue.
For solitary part-solid nodules 6 mm or larger with a solid component less than 6 mm in diameter, follow-up is recommended at 3–6 months and then annually for a minimum of 5 years.
Treatment for lung nodules may range from a “watchful waiting” approach for benign nodules, to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for malignant nodules. If the nodule is benign, your physician will monitor the nodule periodically with CT scans, to determine if any changes in size or shape have occurred.