Is surgery for pulmonary ground-glass nodules considered a major surgery?

Sep 27, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Guo Xiheng

Introduction

Generally, surgery for pulmonary ground-glass nodules is considered a major operation. Treatment for lung ground-glass nodules can be performed via bronchoscopy or thoracoscopy, depending on the specific location of the nodule. Although both bronchoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures involve relatively small incisions and minimal trauma, they are technically complex and therefore classified as major surgeries. Surgery is not always necessary for pulmonary ground-glass nodules; the decision depends on the size of the nodule.

Lung ground-glass nodule surgery is generally considered a major procedure. Depending on the specific location of the lung nodule, treatment can be performed via bronchoscopy or thoracoscopy. Although both bronchoscopic and thoracoscopic surgeries involve relatively small incisions and minimal trauma, they are technically complex and therefore classified as major surgeries. However, it's important to note that not all patients with pulmonary ground-glass nodules require surgery—the decision should be based on the size of the nodule.

I. Cases Where Surgery Is Not Required

1. Small Size

If the ground-glass nodule is small, surgery may not be necessary immediately; however, regular follow-up examinations at the hospital are recommended.

2. Stable Characteristics

If the ground-glass nodule remains stable in nature, surgical intervention is usually unnecessary. Regular monitoring through medical check-ups is sufficient.

II. Cases Where Surgery Is Required

If the lung ground-glass nodule is large and has potential for malignant transformation, surgical removal is recommended. Failure to undergo timely surgical treatment may lead to abnormal growth of the nodule, which could affect normal daily life. The appropriate surgical approach should be selected based on the nodule’s location.

1. Bronchoscopic Surgery

If the lung nodule is located near the bronchus, it can be removed via bronchoscopy.

2. Thoracoscopic Surgery

For peripheral nodules, thoracoscopic surgery is the preferred treatment method.

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Can pulmonary ground-glass nodules with minimal invasion be cured?

There is a possibility of complete cure for minimally invasive ground-glass nodules in the lung, but this depends on the specific disease condition and underlying cause. Generally, minimally invasive ground-glass nodules may result from pulmonary inflammatory edema, lung contamination, or conditions such as tuberculosis. Depending on the specific cause and clinical presentation, a complete cure is possible with appropriate treatment.

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What causes ground-glass nodules in the lungs?

Ground-glass nodules detected by imaging examination may be caused by pulmonary inflammation, old pulmonary lesions, or lung tumors. To determine whether the pulmonary nodules are benign, in addition to evaluating the characteristics of the nodules themselves, dynamic observation of changes in the nodules is also required, such as undergoing pulmonary imaging examination again after three months.

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Treatment of pulmonary ground-glass nodules with moxibustion