Pulmonary Nodules: What They Are and When They Need Further Evaluation
Pulmonary nodules are a common finding on many chest- and lung-related imaging tests, and this can often be alarming when you first hear about them. Whether your medical professionals were looking for them or not, their appearance can still come as a bit of a shock.
But, that doesn’t need to mean it needs to be as overwhelming as you’d think. Many pulmonary nodules are benign, and there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. As leading pulmonologists in Chattanooga, TN, The Lung Docs is here to help you understand what’s going out.
Thankfully, this doesn’t need to be as difficult of a situation as you might immediately think, but it’s worth going through what you need to know.
What Are Pulmonary Nodules?
A pulmonary nodule is a small, round or oval spot in the lung that appears on imaging tests, like CT scans and X-rays. They’re usually less than three centimeters in size, and they’re often found accidentally when imaging tests are done for other reasons.
Pulmonary nodules can be caused by several factors, like:
Prior lung infections or inflammation.
Scar tissue.
Benign growths.
Early-stage lung cancer.
The majority of pulmonary nodules are non-cancerous, and they mightn’t even cause any symptoms. In many cases, you mightn’t even realize they’re there.
When is Monitoring Enough?
Since most pulmonary nodules don’t cause anything else or risk any issues, they don’t need immediate intervention. But, your pulmonologist will want to actively monitor it over time. This usually means tracking changes in size, shape, appearance, and similar areas.
Monitoring is usually appropriate when:
The nodule is small.
Imaging features suggest a benign cause.
There’s no rapid growth over time.
The patient is at a low risk of lung cancer.
Most of the time, there shouldn’t be any intervention needed, but your pulmonologist will recommend the best path forward. It helps to avoid any surgeries or other interventions that mightn’t always be needed.
When Further Evaluation is Needed
That being said, there may be times when a further evaluation and additional steps will be needed. This is especially true if the nodule shows suspicious features or if the patient has risk factors like a history of smoking or occupational exposure.
At The Lung Docs, further evaluation is guided through our dedicated Lung Cancer Nodule Program, which provides a structured, evidence-based approach to assessing pulmonary nodules. This program allows our board-certified pulmonologists in Chattanooga, TN, to determine when advanced testing is needed and when careful monitoring is the safest option.
Additional evaluation through the Lung Cancer Nodule Program may include:
Advanced imaging studies
PET scans
Bronchoscopy
Lung biopsy
Specialized Pulmonologist in Chattanooga, TN
At The Lung Docs, our board-certified pulmonologists in Chattanooga, TN, specialize in diagnosing and managing complex lung findings, including pulmonary nodules that might indicate lung cancer or similar issues.
On top of our work on pulmonary nodules, we specialize in all aspects of lung health, including:
No matter what concerns you have about your lung health, we’re here to help.
Schedule an Appointment With a Pulmonologist in Chattanooga, TN
If you’ve been diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule or have any concerns about your lung health, expert evaluation matters. The Lung Docs are leading pulmonologists in Chattanooga, TN, offering advanced diagnostics and compassionate care. With convenient offices in Chattanooga, Hixson, and Jasper, The Lung Docs make expert pulmonary care accessible throughout the region. Whether you’re seeking evaluation for a pulmonary nodule or ongoing lung care, our team is here to provide advanced diagnostics and compassionate treatment close to home.
Get in touch today to schedule an appointment and to start taking better care of your lung health today.
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us to book an appointment.
