AUSCC

Lung nodules, or pulmonary nodules are miniature, roundish growth that come up on the lung, that is usually about three centimeters or less in diameter. Lung nodules can be cancerous or can be caused by other serious diseases. Cancerous nodules are usually identified by rapid growth that quickly become masses. Approximately four out of six pulmonary nodule cases turn out to be cancerous, so most lung nodules are dealt with as if it is cancerous until it can be diagnosed as otherwise. A lung nodule that is cancerous can normally double in size as quickly as every 25 days. The largest numbers of occurring lung nodules cases are classified as ‘benign’ which means it has very little growth.

Pulmonary nodules can be caused by a number of reasons, the most popular of which is lung cancer as well as it can also be the primary stage leading up to lung cancer. It can also be developed as a result of the metastasis of other forms of cancers. Long nodules can also occur due to other small tumor growths in the body such as carcinoid, lymphoma, blastoma, hamartoma, sarcoma, firbroma and neurofibroma. Lymphoma is a tumor that forms within the tissue of the immune system. Blastoma is a tumor that develops from the embryonic tissue. Hamartoma is caused by a disorganization of a mixture of cells in the body. Sarcoma is a group of tumors that arise from connective tissue. Fibroma and Neurofibroma are non cancerous tumors that form from nerve fibers.

Risk of lung nodules also maximize with exposure to Infections from bacterias like tuberculosis, immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fungus like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis can also cause lung nodules. Tuberculosis spreads from skin contact or breathing in the tuberculosis bacteria. Most fungus like crptococcosis grow in soil and materials infected by bird or bat droppings. Infection of fungus can also become airborne when the contaminated soil is disturbed. Particularly persons who farm, do gardening ,construction jobs, cave divers or any other job which requires them to be around certain bacteria automatically increase their risk to be infected with fungus.

Other serious disease that cause lung nodules include infections such as pulmonary abscess, Hydatid cyst and pneumonia. An abscess is a collection of pus that form in response to an infection. It usually becomes visible as a swollen area and the pain can be excruciating. The skin surrounding it normally becomes red or pink. Hydatid cyst are abnormal sac-like build up that can be located anywhere in the body and can hold fluid or gaseous substances with an outer wall called a capsule. Pneumonia is developed as a result of an irritation of one or both lungs together. Pneumonia can result from either an infection as well as it can be otherwise and the infection may be viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic. Most of these infections can be cured with medication and the patient can make a full recovery.

Pulmonary nodules are normally diagnosed by physical examinations, chest x-rays and computed tomography.