A pulmonary nodule is a small, round or oval-shaped concentrated mass or lesion located within the lung tissue. These formations are generally smaller than 3 cm and can be solitary (a single nodule) or multiple. Nodules can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and most are discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for other reasons.
Pulmonary nodules can arise due to many different causes. Some nodules cause no symptoms, while others may be indicators of serious diseases. Therefore, accurate evaluation and follow-up are very important. Healme Clinic offers effective solutions with advanced technologies and an expert team for the diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary nodules.
Nodules can develop after past tuberculosis, fungal infections, or bacterial infections in the lungs. These types of nodules are usually calcified (hardened with calcium) and benign.
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatologic conditions or sarcoidosis can cause pulmonary nodules. In these cases, nodules are usually widespread and bilateral.
Benign lung tumors like hamartomas can appear as nodules. These nodules generally do not grow and can be monitored without surgery.
Lung cancer or metastatic cancers spreading from other parts of the body to the lungs can appear as nodules. Malignant nodules usually have irregular borders, rapid growth, and certain imaging features.
Most pulmonary nodules do not cause any symptoms and are detected incidentally during chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.
If the nodule is large or if the underlying disease is malignant, the following symptoms may occur:
These symptoms can overlap with other lung diseases, so differential diagnosis is required.
This is the initial imaging method but may be insufficient for detecting small nodules.
CT evaluates the size, shape, border characteristics, and calcification of the nodule. It is the most commonly used method for diagnosis.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) measures the metabolic activity of the nodule and helps determine whether it is malignant. It is especially useful for evaluating suspicious nodules.
For a definitive diagnosis, a tissue sample can be taken and examined pathologically. This procedure can be performed via bronchoscopy or needle biopsy.
Certain tumor markers and inflammation indicators can contribute to the evaluation.
Nodules larger than 3 cm carry a higher risk of malignancy.
Nodules with smooth borders tend to be benign, whereas those with irregular or spiculated (spiky) borders are more likely malignant.
Nodules that grow over time may be malignant. Therefore, nodules are followed up with imaging at regular intervals.
Calcification usually indicates that the nodule is benign.
Nodules that take up FDG on PET-CT are more likely to be malignant. Nodules with low uptake are usually benign.
Small, low-risk nodules are monitored with regular imaging. Follow-up intervals vary between 3 to 12 months depending on risk status.
Nodules with high malignancy risk or confirmed cancer via biopsy can be surgically removed. Healme Clinic offers safe and effective interventions with minimally invasive techniques (VATS, robotic surgery).
In some patients, local treatment methods can be applied instead of surgery. Radiofrequency ablation destroys the nodule using high heat.
For patients diagnosed with malignant nodules and detected spread, systemic treatments are planned. This process should be managed by a multidisciplinary team.
Healme Clinic provides services with advanced imaging technologies and experienced pulmonology and thoracic surgery specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules. Within a multidisciplinary approach, each patient is evaluated individually and a personalized treatment plan is created.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of nodule formation and malignancy.
Regular lung screening is recommended for high-risk groups (e.g., people over 50 years old with a long smoking history).
People living in industrial areas should avoid prolonged exposure to harmful airborne particles.
Eating antioxidant-rich foods and exercising regularly helps strengthen the immune system.
Pulmonary nodules are mostly benign but can sometimes be the first sign of early-stage lung cancer. Therefore, when a nodule is detected, careful evaluation and necessary follow-up are critically important. Healme Clinic guides its patients through this process with scientific approaches, advanced technology, and an expert team.
Protect your respiratory health and get accurate information about pulmonary nodules by consulting Healme Clinic.
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