[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/lung-nodules-and-lung-cancer\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/lung-nodules-and-lung-cancer\/","headline":"Six Things You Need to Know About Lung Nodules and Lung Cancer","name":"Six Things You Need to Know About Lung Nodules and Lung Cancer","description":"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms. That means it is often found at an advanced stage when it is difficult to treat.But detection and treatment are improving every day. Read this UPMC HealthBeat blog to learn  six things you need to know about lung nodules and lung cancer.","datePublished":"2021-09-27","dateModified":"2024-10-30","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\/2014\/10\/ebola-need-know.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/ebola-need-know.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/lung-nodules-and-lung-cancer\/","about":["Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z","Lung Cancer"],"wordCount":913,"articleBody":"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms. That means it is often found at an advanced stage when it is difficult to treat.But detection and treatment get better every day. Here are six things you need to know about lung nodules and lung cancer.1. Early Detection of Lung Cancer Saves LivesThe good news is that when diagnosed early, the average 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is 92%.That’s why early detection is so critical. And new systems and tools hold potential to help us make a diagnosis earlier by providing improved reach, vision, and control for diagnostic lung procedures.2. Most Lung Nodules Are Not CancerousLung cancer is usually first detected as a lung nodule that shows up on an x-ray or CT scan. Most nodules, however, are not cancerous. They can be caused by a variety of conditions, according to the American Thoracic Society, including:Scar tissue.An infection.A noncancerous growth.Airborne irritants.Tumors that originate in other parts of the body.Most lung nodules seen on CT scans are not cancerous but should be checked for early signs of lung cancer.3. Some Factors Increase Your Risk of Lung CancerYou 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 asbestos or coal dust.Have a history of smoking.Had an infection in the lungs.Have a family history of lung cancer.4. Regular Screenings Can Help Detect Lung Cancer EarlierFor most people, nodules are found when having a chest x-ray or CT scan for another condition.For people at high risk of cancer, regular lung screenings like those offered at UPMC can be a life saver.At your lung cancer screening, you will meet with a respiratory therapist and have a low-dose CT chest scan, which takes about two to three minutes. Low-dose CT scans can detect nodules up to 10 times smaller than those seen by x-ray. This type of screening offers the best chance of finding lung cancer in its earliest, most curable stages.A lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals:Age 55 to 77.Who are current or former heavy smokers with at least a 30 pack-years history of smoking.No symptoms of lung cancer, coughing up blood, or chest pain.5. State-of-the-Art Tools Are Improving Lung Nodule and Cancer DetectionNew techniques are making detecting lung cancer even better, including the use of robotic bronchoscopy. This lung biopsy technique diagnoses lung cancer in its earliest stage. The advanced technology uses minimally invasive endoscopy, which allows for increased accuracy, reach, and patient safety in examining small and hard-to-reach lung nodules.The robotic bronchoscope uses a tiny camera and \u201cshape sensing” technology, which allows doctors to look deep into the lung. Once there, they can perform a variety of biopsy techniques to diagnose a lung nodule.Combining traditional endoscopic views into the lung with computer-assisted navigation, the robot provides a continuous bronchoscope vision during the entire procedure. In the very near future, this may be coupled with the advanced imaging technology of a hybrid operating room for location confirmation. Doctors will then be able to perform a tumor ablation (a form of tumor destruction) at the same time.While there are a variety of diagnostic options currently available to detect lung cancer, all have limitations in accuracy, safety, or invasiveness. These limitations could lead to false positives, false negatives, or side effects such as collapsed lung and hemorrhage, which may increase health care costs and extend hospital stays. The Ion provides better reach, greater stability, and more precision for lung biopsy.6. A Wide Range of Treatment Options Exist for Lung Nodules and Lung CancerIf the cause of a nodule is clear (for example, if it’s caused by an infection or inflammation), you may only need medicine to treat that problem.If the cause is not clear, you may need more tests or treatment, depending on the risk that the nodule may be cancerous.If the risk of cancer is small, your doctor may just want to watch to see if the nodule changes over time. Or he or she may want you to have regular follow-up appointments and tests. For example, you may have a CT scan every three to six months to see if the nodule is growing.If there is a higher risk of cancer or the nodule appears to grow, you may need more tests like a PET scan or biopsy (a tissue sample). If the nodule is cancerous, you may need treatment.Patients and doctors now have a wide range of treatment options for lung cancer, including minimally invasive surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Advanced programs combine the expertise of thoracic surgeons, oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists to provide a complete continuum of care and an individualized treatment plan. And, because advanced programs have the latest in diagnostic technology and high-end treatment techniques, patients have access to comprehensive lung care in one location.To find out more about lung nodules and lung cancer or to get a lung screening exam, visit our website.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 27, 2021, and was last reviewed on October 29, 2024.SourcesPrimary Sources:https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/south-central-pa\/lunghttps:\/\/www.upmc.com\/health-library\/article?hwid=tw7941https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/cancer-care\/lung\/programhttps:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/south-central-pa\/lung\/surgery\/thoracic\/lung-cancer\/treatmentPress Release on Ion by IntuitiveWest Shore Connect Article"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Six Things You Need to Know About Lung Nodules and Lung Cancer","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/lung-nodules-and-lung-cancer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]