What does a ground glass nodule mean?
Abstract: Ground-glass nodule (GGN) is defined as a nodular shadow with ground-glass opacity that is generally associated with the early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Nowadays, GGNs of the lung are increasingly detected with thin-section computed tomography scan.
What is ground glass opacity lung nodules?
Ground glass opacifications (GGO) are a subset of pulmonary nodules or masses with non-uniformity and less density than solid nodules. GGO are usually described as either pure ground glass or part solid (subsolid) nodules. This discussion focuses on the management of incidental GGO discovered on CT scans.
What is meant by ground glass density in lungs?
Ground glass opacity (GGO) refers to the hazy gray areas that can show up in CT scans or X-rays of the lungs. These gray areas indicate increased density inside the lungs. The term comes from a technique in glassmaking during which the surface of the glass is blasted by sand.
How do you treat ground-glass nodules?
Clinically, low-malignant nodules can be treated with conservative treatment of regular CT follow-up. If the nodules are increased in size or solid component, more invasive therapy is suggested. Infections, benign nodules, and intrapulmonary lymph nodes often resolve or become stationary after regular follow-up.
Are lung nodules normal?
Lung nodules are fairly common and usually aren’t cause for concern. Still, it can be alarming to learn that you have a spot on your lung. Fortunately, the majority of lung nodules aren’t a sign of lung cancer. A noncancerous condition causes the abnormal growth.
How serious is a ground-glass lung nodule?
GGNs are manifestations of both malignant and benign lesions, such as focal interstitial fibrosis, inflammation, or hemorrhage (1). However, slowly growing or stable GGNs are early lung cancers or their preinvasive lesions, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS).
What does ground-glass mean on a chest xray?
Ground-glass opacity (GGO) is a finding seen on chest x-ray (radiograph) or computed tomography (CT) imaging of the lungs. It is typically defined as an area of hazy opacification (x-ray) or increased attenuation (CT) due to air displacement by fluid, airway collapse, fibrosis, or a neoplastic process.