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A solitary pulmonary nodule is a round or oval spot (lesion) in the lungs that is seen with a chest x-ray or CT scan.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMore than half of all solitary pulmonary are noncancerous (benign). Benign nodules have many causes, including old scars and infections.
Infectious granulomas are the cause of most benign lesions.
You have a greater risk for developing a solitary pulmonary nodule if you have:
- Tuberculosis or been exposed to TB
- Infectious lung diseases caused by fungus, such as:
However, the above conditions makes it more likely that the solitary pulmonary nodule is noncancerous.
Young age, history of not smoking, calcium in the lesion, and small lesion size are factors associated with a noncancerous diagnosis.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancerous (malignant) pulmonary nodules.
SymptomsThere are usually no symptoms.
Signs and testsA solitary pulmonary nodule is usually found on a chest x-ray. If x-rays repeated over time show the nodule size has remain unchanged for 2 years, it is generally considered benign.
A chest CT scanis often done to look at a solitary pulmonary nodule in more detail.
Other tests used to examine a solitary pulmonary nodule may include:
- PET scan
- Percutaneous needle biopsy
- Single-photon emission CT (SPECT) scan
- Skin tests to rule out infectious causes
- Lung biopsy
Ask your doctor about the risks of a biopsy versus monitoring the size of the nodule with regular x-rays.
Reasons for a biopsy or removing the nodule may include:
- Smoking
- The nodule size has grown compared to earlier x-rays
- A CT scan suggests the lesion is malignant (cancerous)
The outlook is generally good if the nodule is benign. If the nodule does not grow larger over a 2-year period, under most circumstances nothing more need be done. On occasion, the appearance of the nodule on CT scan may warrant continued follow-up.
Calling your health care providerA solitary pulmonary nodule is usually found by your health care professional when a chest x-ray is performed for some other reason.
ReferencesCronin P, Dwamena BA, Kelly AM, Carlos RC. Solitary pulmonary nodules: meta-analytic comparison of cross-sectional imaging modalities for diagnosis of malignancy. Radiology. 2008 Mar;246(3):772-82.
Gould MK, Fletcher J, Iannettoni MD, et al. Evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:108S-130S.
Wahidi MM, Govert JA, Goudar RK, et al. Evidence for the treatment of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:94S-107S.
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What has the author John Dutton Steele written?
John Dutton Steele has written: 'The solitary pulmonary nodule' -- subject(s): Lung Neoplasms, Thoracic Radiography 'The Surgical management of pulmonary tuberculosis' -- subject(s): Treatment, Tuberculosis
What is non calcified pulmonary parenchymal nodule?
sarcoidosis
What does FDG AVID pulmonary nodule with MAX SUV of 3.2 mean?
An FDG avid pulmonary nodule with a maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of 3.2 indicates that the nodule has increased metabolic activity, as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). An SUV of 3.2 suggests that the nodule is likely to be malignant, although not definitively, as benign lesions can also exhibit increased uptake. Further evaluation, such as biopsy or imaging follow-up, is usually recommended to determine the nature of the nodule.
What is a lower lobe pulmonary nodule?
It can be many tings : fibrosis calcified nodule (to the local old lesion - tuberculosis, dust intake to the workplace ), cancer, active tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, and more.The differentiation can be made on radiography, MRI, microscopic examination from biopsy fragment.
What does it mean if you have a white spot in your lung?
A white spot on an x-ray of the lung is also called a pulmonary nodule. A spot less than 3cm is a nodule, and larger is a mass. There are a couple reasons a pulmonary nodule would show up in the lung field. First, an infection in the lungs has left scarring, or a benign nodule in the lungs which does not need treated. Typically these types of spots will show up on the x-ray with defined borders. The other type of nodule is a malignant, or cancerous, pulmonary nodule. These need to be immediately treated for the best possible outcome. They typically show up on an x-ray with fuzzy or hard to define borders. It is recommended that if you smoke or are at risk for cancer to have annual chest x-rays done for precaution to ensure that any malignant nodule is caught before growing larger, becoming metastatic, and spreading.
What is a 6mm pulmonary nodule which is noncalcified and has a lucent center?
A 6mm pulmonary nodule that is noncalcified and has a lucent center is a small abnormal growth in the lung that may raise concerns regarding its nature. Noncalcified nodules can indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from benign to malignant, and the lucent center may suggest the presence of fluid or necrotic tissue. Further evaluation, such as imaging studies or a biopsy, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate management. Regular follow-up may also be recommended to monitor for any changes in the nodule's characteristics.
What is an apical pulmonary nodule?
A lung nodule is a node that can be from infection, scar tissue or tumor. Depending on the size, shape and character of the nodule we determine the likelihood of cancer. If we cannot rule the possibility of lung cancer, a larger nodule (or mass) may be biopsied either using a bronchoscope by a lung doctor, or a needle biopsy under CT guidance by a radiologist for diagnosis in the least invasive way although there is a small chance of collapsing the lung.
What plants does have root nodule?
they have got a root nodule
Who nodule is more dangerous hot nodule or cold nodule?
Only a doctor can order the tests to determine if any thyroid nodule is dangerous. A thyroid uptake scan will help your doctor determine if your thyroid is hot (active) or cold (inactive).
What is a singer's nodule?
A singer's nodule, also known as a screamer's nodule or a teacher's nodule, is a small, inflammatory or fibrous growth on the vocal cords. It typically occurs in people who constantly strain their voices.
What is a benign fatty and yellowish nodule?
A benign fatty yellowish nodule is called a tumor.
does medicare cover a PET scan CT scans done & were inconclusive .s Additional testing is required to obtain a diagnosis ?
Yes Medicare does cover PET scans but only under the following 5 related applications: 1.Solitary Pulmonary Nodule 2.Staging of lung cancer. 3. Staging of Lymphoma. 4. Staging of Melanoma and detection of recurrence. 5. Recurrent colorectal cancer. In your case that a diagnosis is still inconclusive Medicare will not cover the test.
