Introduction

A pulmonary nodule appears as a small growth in your lung. X-rays or CT scans of the chest show these nodules as different from the normal lung tissue around them. Most lung nodules turn out to be non-cancerous but some may be cancerous in origin.

What does Ground Glass Opacity Mean in a Lung Nodule?

Doctors often describe pulmonary nodules based on their appearance in images. Ground glass opacity refers to a hazy area where structures underneath remain visible. Nodules can also be solid blocking the view of underlying structures, or a combination of solid and ground-glass opacity.

What are the Symptoms of Lung Nodules?

Not all lung nodules cause symptoms. If the growth pushes against your airway or turns cancerous, you might experience:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing (dyspnea) or wheezing
• Long-lasting cough or coughing up blood
• Tiredness
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• Repeated respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

What Causes Pulmonary Nodules?

Pulmonary nodules can result from infections, particles you breathe in, conditions that cause inflammation, scarring, and cancer. Here are some kinds of pulmonary nodules and what causes them:

Infectious granulomas: These groups of immune cells (granulomas) top the list of common benign nodules. Lung infections from fungi or diseases like tuberculosis can trigger them. Noninfectious granulomas: Conditions where the body attacks itself such as rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis, can bring about noninfectious granulomas. Benign tumours: These include hamartomas, lipomas and adenomas. Cancerous tumours: The main types of cancer that result in pulmonary nodules are non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and carcinoid tumours. Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia: This condition has the potential to progress into cancer. Scarring (fibrosis): Cigarettes, lung irritants, chemicals, and other factors can scar the lungs.

Diagnosis and Tests

Most people learn they have a lung nodule after undergoing a screening test or an imaging test for an unrelated reason. If the nodule raises suspicion of cancer or you have specific risk factors, your doctor might suggest:

• More imaging such as a PET scan or CT scan
• Extra tests, like blood tests or sputum tests, to check for infections or other causes of pulmonary nodules
• Taking a tissue sample (biopsy)
• Taking out the whole nodule
• Your doctor will recommend a biopsy if a nodule measures more than 9 millimetres or if you have certain risk factors for lung cancer.

These risk factors include:

• You smoke or used to smoke
• You are older than 65
• You have a family history or personal history of cancer
• You've gotten chest radiation therapy
• You've been exposed to asbestos, radon or secondhand smoke

Treatment

• Small benign lung nodules don't need treatment. Based on your health history and the nodule's size, your doctor may suggest keeping a close eye on it. You can expect to receive more scans within six to 12 months. Nodules that don't change size over two years of observation aren't cancer.
• If an infection causes your pulmonary nodules, you might need medicine to treat it. This could include antibiotics or drugs to fight fungus.
• If the nodule gets bigger or causes problems, you might need an operation.

When Should I See a Doctor

Get in touch with your doctor if you have any questions about something found on an imaging report such as a pulmonary nodule. You might need more tests to check it out. Tell your doctor if you start to notice signs of a lung problem, like trouble breathing or a cough that won't go away. Head to the ER if you experience:

• Pain in your chest
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing up blood