Can ground-glass nodules heal on their own?
In general, ground-glass nodules may refer to pulmonary ground-glass nodules. Larger pulmonary ground-glass nodules have a lower chance of spontaneous resolution, while some smaller ones may resolve on their own. Patients are advised to visit the hospital and follow medical advice for timely treatment. The analysis is as follows:
Pulmonary ground-glass nodules are defined on high-resolution CT as localized, poorly demarcated areas of increased lung density that do not obscure the underlying bronchial or vascular structures. Larger pulmonary ground-glass nodules, or those with irregular shapes, fuzzy margins, or other abnormal features, are less likely to resolve spontaneously. These nodules may indicate malignant tumors or precancerous lesions and require further evaluation and treatment.
Smaller pulmonary ground-glass nodules may be caused by pulmonary inflammation, such as viral or bacterial infections. In patients with strong immune systems, the inflammatory changes may gradually resolve, leading to potential spontaneous recovery from the ground-glass nodule.
In daily life, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking and alcohol consumption promptly, and avoid exposure to heavily polluted environments. Additionally, appropriate physical exercise can help enhance immunity and promote recovery of lung function.