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Solitary pulmonary nodule - Overview

Definition of Solitary pulmonary nodule:

A solitary pulmonary nodule is a round or oval spot (lesion) in the lungs that is seen with a chest x-ray or CT scan.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

More than half of all solitary pulmonary nodules are benign (not cancerous). Benign nodules have many causes, including old scars and infections.

Infectious granulomas (inflammation of granular tissue) are the cause of most benign lesions. When a nodule is malignant, lung cancer is the most common cause. Exposure to tuberculosis or an infectious fungus (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis) can increase the risk of developing a solitary pulmonary nodule, but also makes it more likely that the nodule is benign.

Young age, absence of tobacco exposure, calcium in the lesion, and small lesion size are factors favoring a benign diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma - chest X-ray

Pulmonary nodule - front view chest X-ray

Pulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scan

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 6/10/2008
James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gould MK, Fletcher J, Iannettoni MD, et al. Evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:108S-130S.

Wahidi MM, Govert JA, Goudar RK, et al. Evidence for the treatment of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132:94S-107S.

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