Lung nodules are small, round or oval-shaped growths in the lungs, up to 3 cm in size. They are often found on chest X-rays or CT scans. Lung nodules can be non-cancerous or cancerous. While many are harmless, others may be a sign of lung cancer or other diseases that need to be taken seriously.

Diagnosis of lung nodules

When a lung nodule is detected on a chest X-ray or CT scan, its size, shape and location first need to be determined. This is often done with some imaging tests, like CT scans and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if the nodule is non-cancerous or cancerous, and if it is cancerous, whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

In addition to imaging tests, sometimes doctors may also carry out a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodule. A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the nodule and testing it for cancer cells. This may be done through a bronchoscopy, in which a thin tube is passed through the mouth or nose and into the lung, or through a needle biopsy, in which a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the nodule.

Treatment of lung nodules

The treatment of lung nodules depends on their size, location and, above all, whether they are cancerous. Small, non-cancerous nodules can usually be monitored over time to make sure they are not growing or changing in nature. If a nodule is cancerous, however, it may need to be surgically removed.

Surgery is often the preferred treatment for cancerous nodules, as it is the most effective way to remove the cancerous tissue. Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly being used because it is less invasive and the patient recovers quickly. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be used to shrink the nodule before surgery, or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Prevention of lung nodules

Although lung nodules cannot always be prevented, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing them. These include:

1. Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing lung nodules and is a major cause of lung cancer.

2. Avoiding exposure to harmful substances: Asbestos, for example, has been widely used as a building material. Its fibres are linked to the development of lung cancer and other lung diseases when inhaled into the lungs.

3. Getting regular lung check-ups: Regular chest screening can help detect nodules and other lung diseases early, before they become serious.