With the increasing popularity of medical check-ups and advances in imaging technology, many people are now being diagnosed with small lung nodules. In fact, data shows that the detection rate of lung nodules on chest CT scans can be as high as 80%.

Are all lung nodules cancerous? In fact, lung nodules can be diverse in nature, including benign ones such as inflammatory pseudotumors, tuberculosis spheres, fungi, and precancerous ones such as atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. Malignant nodules can be primary lung cancer or lung metastases.

Doctors mainly diagnose whether a lung nodule is benign or malignant by analyzing its imaging features and conducting regular follow-ups.

So, how can we make a preliminary diagnosis of lung nodules from CT images? It depends on the nodule’s features, such as:

1. Size: Size still matters though it’s not everything; the larger the nodule, the greater the possibility of malignancy.
2. Margins: If a nodule has irregular and burred margins, it warrants serious attention.
3. Lobulations: A lobulation is similar to lobules in appearance, which should be taken into account.The presence of lobulations, which are similar to lobules in appearance, should also be taken into account.
4. Vacuoles: The presence of vacuoles within a nodule suggests the possibility of malignancy and requires further examination.
5. Relationship with surrounding tissues: Pleural traction or intra-nodular vessels may also indicate malignancy.

In addition to the imaging features of a nodule, doctors need to consider several specific risk factors for an accurate diagnosis, including:

1. Older Age
2. History of smoking
3. Family history of cancer
4. Exposure to carcinogens