What Causes Lung Nodules and How Can You Prevent Them?

Written By: Kent Hospital on April 22, 2021

Originally published: April 2021

Lung nodules may sound alarming, but the truth is, most people who have them don’t even know it. These small, round growths – also called pulmonary nodules – are often found by accident during imaging scans for other health issues.

While they can occasionally be serious, they’re usually harmless. So, what causes them, and how can you protect your lung health?

What Causes Lung Nodules?

Lung nodules can form for several reasons. In many cases, they’re caused by simple inflammation or are small scars left behind from a past infection. These types of nodules are usually benign (non-cancerous) and don’t require treatment.

However, in some cases, nodules can form as a result of cancer, especially when cells begin to clump together due to exposure to carcinogens, such as those found in tobacco smoke or certain chemicals.

Can Benign Lung Nodules Cause Health Problems?

While most benign nodules don’t cause any issues, there are rare cases where they may interfere with blood flow by pressing on veins or arteries. If this happens, surgery may be needed to relieve the blockage and prevent tissue damage. But generally, small benign nodules are nothing to worry about. Often, they’ve been in the lungs for years without causing symptoms or health problems.

Doctors typically monitor them through follow-up scans to ensure they aren’t growing. Nodules that remain the same size over time are considered low risk.

Problems and Prevention

Lung nodules don’t usually cause pain or discomfort, which is why many people don’t know they have them until an X-ray or CT scan reveals them. These growths can be either benign or malignant, and determining which type they are is key to guiding treatment decisions. If a scan picks up a lung nodule, your doctor may order further testing to rule out cancer.

Malignant nodules are a sign of lung cancer and should be treated promptly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing malignant nodules and support overall lung health:

Quit smoking – or don’t start.
Stay active with lung-healthy activities like walking, yoga, or hiking.
Protect your lungs when working around chemicals or fumes by wearing the right safety gear and following safety protocols.

Recovery Options

In most cases, benign lung nodules don’t need to be treated directly. If the nodules are linked to a recent infection or inflammation, treating the underlying cause may allow the lungs to heal naturally. Surgery is rarely needed unless the nodules are contributing to other serious conditions like pneumonia or a blocked airway.

If nodules are found to be malignant, further testing is necessary to determine the type of cancer and whether it has spread. From there, doctors will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan tailored to their diagnosis.

Concerned about the presence of lung nodules?

Pulmonary Medicine at Kent Hospital is here to help. If you’ve been told you have a lung nodule or are experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms, reach out to schedule an appointment.

Early evaluation and follow-up can make all the difference.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical treatment.

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What Causes Lung Nodules and How Can You Prevent Them?