Hi.
A solitary pulmonary nodule is a common abnormality seen on radiography. Most of the time, this is an
incidental finding when a chest radiograph is performed. The radiographic characteristics of the pulmonary
nodule may suggest an underlying pathology. An example of this is the presence of calcification on chest
radiograph which is highly suggestive of a benign condition.
Pneumonia will present as consolidation on chest x-ray, and may involve the entire lobe of the lung, or only
part of it. This will appear as white density in the lung as seen on the x-ray film.
Benign causes include infectious and noninfectious inflammatory lesions, as well as benign tumors.
Malignant causes include primary lung neoplasm and metastases from distant primary tumors.
Do you have a previous chest x-ray? It will be helpful if that can be compared to your recent chest x-ray. A
nodule that shows stability for more than 2 years does not require further follow-up. However, if there is a
growth or increase in the size of the nodule, further diagnostic procedures need to be performed.
CT scan of the chest is sensitive in detection of calcifications, multiple nodules, or presence of mediastinal
adenopathy (presence of lymph nodes in the lungs).
Depending on the location of the nodule, either bronchoscopy with biopsy or transthoracic needle aspiration
biopsy can be performed to determine the etiology. Surgery is usually done when there is a diagnosis of
malignancy after an initial biopsy, or if the initial biopsy is non-diagnostic.
It would be helpful if you can provide more detailed information about you and your condition. What is your
age? What are your symptoms? How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? Are you a smoker? What is
your occupation? Do you have a family history of cancer?
