5 Things We Now Know About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
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What To Know About The Sizes Of Lung Nodules
Lung nodules are small growths in your lungs, less than 30 millimeters in diameter. Many nodules aren't cancerous, but the risk becomes higher with increased size.
A lung nodule is an irregular growth in your lungs that has a diameter of less than 30 millimeters (mm), or 1.2 inches.
Lung nodules are very common and are estimated to occur in 2% to 24% of the general population. Doctors often discover them on chest X-rays or CT scans for unrelated conditions.
Most lung nodules aren't cancerous. Possible noncancerous causes include:
Small nodules often don't require treatment. Doctors may recommend follow-ups or surgery for large nodules, especially if you are at a high risk of developing lung cancer.
This article reviews lung nodule sizes and recommended treatments.
Most nodules don't cause symptoms and don't need treatment. Larger nodules are more likely to be cancerous and require surgical removal.
The most common guidelines that doctors follow to determine how to treat a nodule are the Fleischner Society guidelines. The Fleischner Society is an international medical group dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of chest disease.
The Fleischner Society guidelines advise doctors on how to manage lung nodules based on factors such as:
The guidelines don't apply to people who are younger than 35 years old or have a history of cancer or immunosuppression.
What's considered a small lung nodule?
Lung nodules are usually considered small if they're less than 10 mm in diameter. Nodules under 3 mm are considered micronodules.
Here's a look at the risk that small nodules will become cancerous:
What's considered a large lung nodule?
Large nodules are those more than 10 mm in diameter. The risk of nodules being cancerous increases as they become larger. By definition, a nodule is smaller than 30 mm.
If you're at low risk of developing lung cancer, a doctor will likely tell you that you don't need regular follow-ups for nodules smaller than 6 mm. Younger age and a lack of smoking are associated with low risk. A doctor may want to follow up with a CT scan if you're at high risk.
A doctor will likely want to monitor nodules that are 6 to 8 mm in diameter with one or more CT scans to see whether they grow over time.
For nodules larger than 8 mm, a doctor will likely want to follow up with some combination of:
The next step depends on:
Depending on how nodules look on a CT scan, doctors classify them as either solid or subsolid. Subsolid nodules can be further classified as ground-glass or part-solid.
Here's a look at the Fleischner Society guidelines for each type.
Recommendations for a single solid nodule
Recommendations for multiple solid nodules
Recommendations for a single subsolid nodule
Recommendations for multiple subsolid nodules
A doctor may recommend a biopsy if repeat CT scans show that the nodule is getting bigger over time or has concerning features.
Risk factors for the development of cancerous lung nodules include:
You may be able to minimize your chances of developing lung nodules by quitting smoking if you currently smoke or by avoiding smoking if you don't. This can be difficult, but a doctor can create a cessation plan that works for you.
Minimizing your exposure to cancer-causing substances, such as uranium, and wearing proper safety equipment if you handle them may also lower your risk.
Lung nodules are small growths in your lungs, less than 30 mm in diameter. Most nodules are not cancerous, but the risk increases as they become larger.
A doctor may want to perform regular follow-ups for nodules larger than 6 mm or for smaller nodules if you have a high risk of lung cancer.
A doctor may recommend a biopsy or surgical removal of nodules that are growing or have concerning features.
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