You have had a CT scan which has shown a nodule/s in your lung/s. This leaflet provides information about lung nodules and how they are kept under review.
What is a lung nodule?
A lung nodule is a small lump of tissue in the lung that is usually less than 1cm across. Lung nodules do not cause breathing symptoms.
Why do I have a lung nodule?
Lung nodules are very common and are found on CT scans in about one in four people.
Most lung nodules are benign (not a cancer). They are often scarring from previous lung infections.
In a very small number of patients (one out of 25), a lung nodule may be an early lung cancer.
What happens now?
We will keep your nodule under close observation with repeat CT scans of your chest every few months. This is to check to see if the nodule is growing.
If your nodule stays the same size over several months to years, or shrinks, then we can be reasonably sure that it is benign (not a cancer) and you will not need further follow-up.
If your nodule gets bigger, you may need further investigations to see if it is an early lung cancer. This might include a different type of scan (called a PET-CT scan) or a biopsy test. If this does show a lung cancer then it generally has been found at a very early stage and usually suitable for curative treatment.
How will I get the scan results?
After you have your repeat scans, the doctors will write to you with the results. If you do need further tests for your nodules, an early appointment will be made in a hospital clinic for you to discuss this with the doctor.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you do not hear about a scan appointment, or if you do not receive the results within a month of having the scan, please telephone the Respiratory consultants’ secretary on the number below.
If you have any questions about your lung nodule surveillance, please contact the number below. We can arrange for one of the doctors to telephone you back to answer your questions.
