Lung Nodules: Understanding Causes, Types & What to Expect

A lung nodule is a small, rounded area of tissue in the lung that is different from the surrounding lung tissue. Lung nodules can be solid, part-solid, or ground-glass in appearance. They can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres.

Lung nodules are often found incidentally on chest X-rays or CT scans that are performed for other reasons. In most cases, lung nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some lung nodules can be cancerous, so it is important to have any lung nodule evaluated by a doctor.

The evaluation of a lung nodule typically involves obtaining a detailed history and physical examination, as well as additional imaging studies, such as a chest CT scan or MRI. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine if a lung nodule is cancerous.