Question 1

what is a lung nodule?

Accepted Answer

X-ray spot: It can be anything from an old inactive walled-off TB of fungus infection to a benign tumor to cancer to something as exotic as a dog heartworm that went far astray. Here in kansas, most are old histoplasmosis. But a spot is lung cancer until you & your physician have a reason to think otherwise. Good luck, and be brave.

Question 2

what are the tests for lung nodule?

Accepted Answer

Chest CT scan: To search for a lung nodule, chest ct scan is more accurate than a chest xray.  To see if a nodule is cancerous, depending on the size and location in the lung (i.E not dangerously close to the heart or aorta), a ct guided needle biopsy can be performed or a pet/ct scan can be performed.

Question 3

is a 1.4 lung nodule classed as small?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A lung nodule is a lesion in the lung less than 3 cm in diameter. A larger lesion is often called a mass. Typically a lesion needs to be at least 1 cm before it can be seen. Ct scans can identify much smaller lesions. 60% of nodules are benign but that number is higher in non smokers. Depending on the location of the nodule most can be biopsies with needles or minimally invasive scope (vats).

Question 4

what is a 7 mm noncalcified lung nodule?

Accepted Answer

Unknowable: There are a lot of possibilities. It is a density in the lung identified on an x-ray or ct

for a small nodule ct scan follow up at 3-4 months early on can document any growth or change.
If enlarging-remove.
If calcifying it is likely benign and needs nothing done.
In the midwest histoplasmosis can be the cause of single or multiple such findings.

Question 5

lung nodule found, what is the next step?

Accepted Answer

See a thoracic spec.: A ct scan would be needed and depending on that result, more tests would possibly be ordered.  The size, other abnormalities that may be present, your smoking history, and overall condition can help guide what's next.  This may include anything from a pet scan to needle biopsy to surgery.  Seeing a thoracic specialist can help sort through where to go next.

Question 6

what could cause a lung nodule to thicken?

Accepted Answer

Growth: If a lung nodule thickens, that means it is growing. Whether this is cancer, infection or anything else, you need to find out.

Question 7

why would a lung nodule grow from 5mm to 9mm?

Accepted Answer

Would get checked: A lung nodule is not cancer per se, but it is unusual for a noncancerous nodule to grow. In the setting of smoking, this would be worrisome and require further evaluation.

Question 8

please tell me what does a lung nodule indicate?

Accepted Answer

Lung nodule: Lung nodules are densities in the lungs seen in imaging procedures. The indication depends on how they look like, calcified or not, cavitary or not. They can be scars, old granuloma, localized infection (benign ones) or they can be cancers. That is why when we see them we are aggressive in working them up to make sure they are diagnosed early as if cancer, best treatment is removal if not spread.

Question 9

is an 8mm lung nodule followed up by another scan?

Accepted Answer

Lung nodule: Short term follow up is recommended ( every 6 months) for up to 2 years. If it increases in size then a pet scan and possible biopsy can be performed.

Question 10

what to do if i have a 13 mm lung nodule, is that big?

Accepted Answer

Small, but: Small but big enough to have a work-up or follow-up. See a lung specialist for that. Do you smoke?

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Stellate nodule in lung

A member asked:

What is a lung nodule?

A member asked:

What are the tests for lung nodule?

A member asked:

Is a 1.4 lung nodule classed as small?

A member asked:

What is a 7 mm noncalcified lung nodule?

A member asked:

Lung nodule found, what is the next step?

A member asked:

What could cause a lung nodule to thicken?

A member asked:

Why would a lung nodule grow from 5mm to 9mm?

A member asked:

Please tell me what does a lung nodule indicate?

A member asked:

Is an 8mm lung nodule followed up by another scan?

A member asked:

What to do if i have a 13 mm lung nodule, is that big?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?