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Lung nodules are present in 1.6 million patients yearly in the United States and on 30% of CT chest images. If you have been diagnosed with a lung nodule, turn to Southwest Pulmonary Associates in Dallas and Plano, Texas. The skilled team screens you for lung diseases and offers treatments to avoid complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Lung Nodule Q & A
What is a lung nodule?
Lung nodules, or pulmonary nodules, are abnormal growths present in the lungs. While they may not always cause symptoms, they usually show up on chest X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging procedures. They’re often non-cancerous, but a follow-up biopsy can determine if this is the case. Nodules show up on about one in three chest CT scans.
What are the symptoms of lung nodules?
While smaller lung nodules rarely cause symptoms, larger or cancerous growths can lead to:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections
It’s possible to have more than one lung nodule. Signs of a cancerous nodule include a growth that’s large, fast-growing, bumpy, spiky, non-solid, or semi-solid.
See the experts at Southwest Pulmonary Associates at the first sign of a problem or if you need help managing a previously diagnosed lung condition. Lung nodules may appear on imaging tests needed for lung or heart diseases.
What are the risk factors for lung nodules?
While the cause might not be fully clear, the following factors could increase your risk of lung nodules:
- Inhaled particles
- Infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Scarring
- Cancerous or benign tumors
- Infectious granulomas
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
- Scarring
- Smoking
- Radon gas exposure
- Inhaling other chemicals and lung irritants
Complications that may occur include cancer and a nodule pressing against or blocking your airway.
How are lung nodules diagnosed?
Diagnosing lung nodules at Southwest Pulmonary Associates requires a review of your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests like PET or CT scanning. You might also need blood testing, sputum tests, or a biopsy.
How are lung nodules treated?
Treating a lung nodule depends on its size, severity, and cause. You might not need any treatment. Or, you may require medications, surgery to remove a nodule, and additional treatments if the nodule is cancerous.
Preventing lung nodules isn’t always possible, but not smoking or breathing in chemicals or irritants can help.
Schedule an evaluation at Southwest Pulmonary Associates by phone or request one online today to undergo lung nodule screening or treatment.