Lung Nodules | Ohio State Lung and Pulmonary

What is a lung nodule?

A lung nodule, also called a pulmonary lung nodule or pulmonary nodule, is an abnormal spot or small growth on the lung — typically less than 3 centimeters in size. Lung nodules are often detected incidentally on a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan. Imaging tests of the chest and lungs may be done for a variety of reasons including to check for infection, injury or a blockage, or to screen for lung cancer.

Potential causes for lung nodules include:

Congenital lung abnormalities
Old infections resulting in scar tissue
Noncancerous cysts
The occurrence of a lung abscess
Birth defects, such as lung malformation, scars or cysts in the lungs
Inflammation caused by sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis or Wegener’s granulomatosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis ([GPA])
Infection caused by human papilloma virus (HPV)

Nationwide, approximately 1.2 million lung nodules are detected each year. In most cases, lung nodules are not harmful. Most lung nodules are not cancerous and are caused by past lung infections; however, some may be cancerous. Proper testing, assessment and ongoing follow-up are necessary to accurately diagnose the type of lung nodule you have.

There are some risk factors associated with developing lung nodules. These risk factors may be environmental, behavioral or genetic and include:

Behavioral

Current use or past use of tobacco products

Genetic

Family or personal history of lung cancer
Age 50 years of age or older
History of previous cancer, not limited to the lungs
Other types of lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Environmental

Receiving radiation therapy in the past
Exposure to toxic chemicals, secondhand smoke, radon or asbestos

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What you should know about lung nodules

Jasleen Pannu, MD, interventional pulmonologist, explains the treatment available for lung nodules at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Lung Nodule Clinic.

Lung nodules signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of lung nodules can vary based on the exact location, size and shape of the nodule in the lung. Small nodules found in the lungs are often incidentally or unexpectedly discovered following an X-ray or CT scan of the chest performed because of symptoms caused by other illnesses or infections.

Symptoms associated with lung nodules may also be caused by:

COPD
Pain or trauma to the chest
Surgeries close to the chest, neck and shoulder
COVID-19

Many of the symptoms associated with lung nodules are like those of the conditions listed above. Because of this, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical care if the symptoms persist. If you recently had COVID-19 or are recovering from an infection, the symptoms may last longer than other illnesses, such as a cold or flu.

However, if symptoms are noticeable, they may include:

Chronic cough, potentially with blood present
Shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing
Respiratory infections
Fatigue
Chronic chest pain

Types of lung nodules

There are also several different types of noncancerous (benign) lung nodules including:

Hamartomas: These are the most common type of lung nodules. Most are found in the outer section of the connective tissue of the lungs. A smaller percentage is found within the bronchial tubes.
Papillomas: Papillomas are less common than other types of lung nodules, growing in the bronchial tubes. This category is typically separated into three types: mixed squamous and glandular, glandular, and squamous.
Bronchial adenomas: These lung nodules grow in the mucous glands or ducts within the windpipe and in the bronchi (large airways of the lungs).

If a lung nodule is suspected to potentially be cancerous, your provider will recommend additional screenings for further evaluation.

Screening and diagnosis of lung nodules

If the presence of a lung nodule is suspected for any reason, an early diagnosis is a key contributor to successful treatment outcomes. Your doctor will do a comprehensive history and physical exam and discuss your overall health and signs of disease, as well as your habits, past illnesses and treatments.

After the initial exam — depending on your symptoms — your doctor may suggest additional diagnostic or screening tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. This phase of testing or screening will vary greatly — depending on the size of the nodule — and may include:
Chest X-ray
CT scan
PET scan
Biopsy
Lung function testing
Surgery
Bronchoscopy

Lung nodule treatment

Depending on your specific lung nodule, the lung nodule clinic treatment team may recommend one or a combination of the following interventions:

Watchful waiting – close follow-up of a patient’s condition by repeat imaging unless symptoms arise or any change is noted in follow-up imaging
Robotic bronchoscopy and biopsy – a minimally invasive procedure that enables the physician to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs) and lungs without an incision
Biopsy – enables a physician to remove cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or recommend performing other tests

In the event your provider determines you should receive further diagnostic imaging or treatment for your lung nodules, you may be referred to the OSUCCC – James Lung Nodule Screening Clinic.