What does nodules in your lungs mean?
A lung nodule is a small growth on the lung and can be benign or malignant. The growth usually has to be smaller than 3 centimeters to qualify as a nodule. Benign nodules are noncancerous, typically not aggressive, and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant nodules are cancerous and can grow quickly.
Can you remove nodules from lungs?
Many times, nodules are benign, but it is a safety precaution to monitor progress. Our surgeons can remove pulmonary nodules using VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery), if it is determined that surgery is indicated.
Is a 11 mm lung nodule serious?
Nodules between 6 mm and 10 mm need to be carefully assessed. Nodules greater than 10 mm in diameter should be biopsied or removed due to the 80 percent probability that they are malignant. Nodules greater than 3 cm are referred to as lung masses.
What do you need to know about small lung nodules?
• Most small nodules are not lung cancer. • Most patients with small nodules will need additional LDCT scans during the next year. • Biopsies of small nodules can cause more harm than good. • If you are still smoking, quitting is the most important thing you can do to improve your health.
Can a small lung nodule be cured with surgery?
So even if the nodule is lung cancer, it will likely still be small in a few months. Also, even if the nodule is lung cancer that is growing, there is a very good chance that surgery will cure you. Your provider will determine the best time for your next LDCT scan.
Can a biopsy be done on a small lung nodule?
Biopsies are usually not recommended when nodules are small because it is very difficult to biopsy them safely. Doing a biopsy when a nodule is small can cause harm such as trouble breathing, bleeding, or infection. • Biopsies are often done for nodules that are 9 mm or larger.
What are the risk factors for pulmonary nodules?
Risk factors for malignant pulmonary nodules include a history of smoking and older age. What causes pulmonary nodules? There are two main types of pulmonary nodules: malignant (cancerous) and benign (noncancerous). Over 90% of pulmonary nodules that are smaller than two centimeters (around 3/4 inch) in diameter are benign.