Lung Nodules

A lung nodule is defined as a "spot" on the lung that is 3 cm (about 1 inches) in diameter or less. If an abnormality is seen on an x-ray of the lungs that is larger than 3 cm, it is considered a "lung mass" instead of a nodule.
Larger lung nodules or lung masses are more likely to be cancerous. Lung nodules usually need to be at least 1 cm in size before they can be seen on a chest x-ray.

Symptoms of Lung Nodules

Lung nodules are quite common, and are found on 1 in 500 chest x-rays, and 1 in 100 CT scans of the chest. Roughly half of smokers over the age of 50 will have nodules on a CT scan of their chest. Lung nodules can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Many lung nodules do not have any symptoms and are found "accidentally" when a chest x-ray is done for some other reason. Symptoms of Lung nodules include cough or coughing up blood.

Diagnosis of Lung Nodules

CT scan of chest or a PET scan can help in determining the cause. However, the final answer lies in Biopsy of the nodule, via

• Bronchoscopy - if the nodule is near one of your airways
• A needle biopsy - if the nodule is located near the outside of your lungs
• Lung surgery - Robotic / VATS (Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) or Thoracotomy.