[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/what-is-a-lung-nodule\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/what-is-a-lung-nodule\/","headline":"What Is a Lung Nodule?","name":"What Is a Lung Nodule?","description":"A lung nodule is a spot on the lung that shows up on an x-ray or CT scan. A variety of conditions can cause lung nodules.","datePublished":"2017-10-26","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/082017BLOG_LUNGNODULES.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/082017BLOG_LUNGNODULES.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/what-is-a-lung-nodule\/","about":["Cancer Care","Living and Wellness","Lung Cancer"],"wordCount":410,"keywords":["Comprehensive Lung Center","lung health","lung nodule"],"articleBody":"If you\u2019ve recently been diagnosed with a lung nodule, you may be asking yourself ,\u201cWhat is a lung nodule \u2014 and how will it affect me in the future?”UPMC offers\u00a0lung screenings for smokers\u00a0who qualify. Call 412-623-3319\u00a0to find out if you are\u00a0eligible.A lung nodule is a spot on the lung that shows up on an x-ray or CT scan. A variety of conditions can cause lung nodules, according to the\u00a0American Thoracic Society.Scar tissueAn infectionA noncancerous growthAirborne irritantsTumors that originated from another part of the bodyEarly\u00a0lung cancer, in rare casesLung Nodule SymptomsLung nodules often do not cause symptoms. In fact, they are usually discovered while getting an x-ray for a non-related condition. If your lung nodule is the result of an infection, you may notice symptoms of the infection, such as fever with shortness of breath.Am I at Risk of Developing a Lung Nodule?Lung nodules are quite common, and the vast majority are benign. You may be at a higher risk for cancerous lung nodules if you:Have inflammation in the lungs from an occupational hazard, such as exposure to\u00a0asbestos\u00a0or coal dustHave a history of smokingHave had an infection in the lungsHave a family history of lung cancerTreatment Options for Lung NodulesLung nodules are typically treated with “watch the spot” approach. Your health care team will perform a series of\u00a0CT scans\u00a0(usually every three to six months) to see if the nodule is growing. Benign lung nodules do not grow. After about two years of observation, doctors may determine that your nodule is benign, and you will not need additional testing.If your nodule appears to grow, your doctor may have you undergo a\u00a0PET scan, or a scan that shows any abnormal tissue activity. You may also need a\u00a0biopsy\u00a0of the lung nodule. During this procedure, a piece of the nodule will be surgically removed for testing in a lab.Can a Lung Nodule be Removed?If your nodule is not causing health problems, doctors likely will not remove it. If the nodule is cancerous, doctors may remove it as a part of your cancer treatment.If you are still smoking, you should\u00a0quit as soon as possible\u00a0to prevent further injury to the lung tissue. Pennsylvania offers a free resource for smokers to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) to get started. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is a Lung Nodule?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/what-is-a-lung-nodule\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]