Patients often come to doctors with their check-up reports asking: What should I do if a pulmonary nodule is found? Is a pulmonary nodule lung cancer?
A pulmonary nodule ≠ lung cancer
A pulmonary nodule refers to abnormal tissue in the lungs with a diameter of less than or equal to 3 cm, which can be round or irregular in shape.
The causes of pulmonary nodules are numerous, and they can be classified as benign or malignant. In fact, most diseases affecting the lungs can lead to the formation of nodules. Based on the basic characteristics of the underlying disease, pulmonary nodules can be categorized into benign and malignant lesions.
According to statistics, the incidence of pulmonary nodules is 35.5%, with 0.54% of these nodules being diagnosed as lung cancer. Most nodules found during check-ups are benign, so theres no need to panic at the mention of "nodules"!
If these signs are present, the possibility of lung cancer can essentially be ruled out
01 Nodules that grow too quickly
Rapid growth of a nodule is not a characteristic of malignancy; on the contrary, it is a benign trait.
In fact, most lung cancers grow relatively slowly, neither shrinking nor suddenly enlarging significantly. For example, the most aggressive small cell lung cancer doubles in size in about 30-90 days, while the slower-growing squamous cell carcinoma takes about 60-180 days to double in size.
02 Nodules that do not change
Although lung cancer cells develop very slowly, they do not stop growing.
Generally speaking, if a pulmonary nodule remains unchanged for more than 5 years, the likelihood of malignancy decreases.
03 Nodules that are completely calcified
Some lung diseases ultimately result in calcification, particularly in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, where scarring occurs after recovery. Some scars may continue to be filled with calcium, eventually forming calcified lesions. These lesions can vary, being either partial or complete, and completely calcified nodules are generally unlikely to become cancerous.
It is worth noting that in some cases, nodules in partially calcified lesions may result from a tumor consuming the original calcified lesion, and this situation requires differentiation.
04 Nodules that shrinks
Generally speaking, a significantly shrinking pulmonary nodule is unlikely to be malignant.
The malignant components in tumor nodules cannot shrink or contract, so a significantly shrinking nodule is more likely to be benign and is generally not malignant.
05 Nodules that change position
Generally speaking, malignant pulmonary nodules grow in one location. If the position of a nodule changes, it suggests that the nodule contains fluid or mobile components, such as mucus in the airway or parasites. These types of lesions can change position within a short period, making it unlikely that such nodules will become malignant.
Of course, the above signs are clinical experiences summarized to help judge the nature of nodules. They can serve as a reference, but it is still essential to undergo further examination at a hospital to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment if a pulmonary nodule is found.
Expert Reminder
Pulmonary nodules have no symptoms and are mostly discovered through health check-ups. The detection rate of pulmonary nodules is similar between the general population and high-risk groups, although high-risk individuals have a higher likelihood of malignant nodules.
Experts recommend that people aged 40 or older with any of the following risk factors should undergo an annual CT scan of the lungs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
● Those who smoke one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years, and those who quit smoking less than 15 years;
● Those exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods;
● Those whose work involves exposure to chemicals such as asbestos, beryllium, uranium, or hydrogen;
● Those with a family history of malignant tumors or lung cancer;
● Those with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.
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