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Definition Return to top
A solitary pulmonary nodule is a round or oval spot (lesion) in the lungs that is seen with a chest x-ray or CT scan.
Causes Return to top
More than half of all solitary pulmonary nodules are benign (not cancerous). Benign nodules have many causes, including old scars and infections.
Infectious granulomas (inflammation of granular tissue) are the cause of most benign lesions. When a nodule is malignant, lung cancer is the most common cause. Exposure to tuberculosis or an infectious fungus (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis) can increase the risk of developing a solitary pulmonary nodule, but also makes it more likely that the nodule is benign.
Young age, absence of tobacco exposure, calcium in the lesion, and small lesion size are factors favoring a benign diagnosis.
Symptoms Return to top
There are usually no symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
A solitary pulmonary nodule is usually found on a chest x-ray. If serial chest x-rays (repeated x-rays over time) show the nodule size unchanged for 2 years, it is considered benign. A chest CT scan is often performed to evaluate a solitary pulmonary nodule in detail.
Other tests may include the following:
Treatment Return to top
Ask your doctor about the risks of a biopsy versus monitoring the size of the nodule with regular x-rays.
Reasons for a biopsy or removing the nodule may include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outlook is generally good if the nodule is benign. If the nodule does not grow larger over a 2-year period, nothing more should be done.
Possible Complications Return to top
The nodule could be due to a malignancy, including lung cancer.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
A solitary pulmonary nodule is usually found by your health care professional when a chest x-ray is performed for some other reason.
References Return to top
Gould MK, Fletcher J, Iannettoni MD, et al. Evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:108S-130S.
Wahidi MM, Govert JA, Goudar RK, et al. Evidence for the treatment of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:94S-107S.
Update Date: 6/10/2008 Updated by: James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
