How are pulmonary nodules formed?
Disease description:
I have been feeling unwell lately and was diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule after an examination. I would like to ask the doctor, how do pulmonary nodules form?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Pulmonary nodules refer to round or oval lesions less than 3 centimeters in diameter found on chest CT images. They are usually abnormal proliferations within the lung tissue. The formation of pulmonary nodules can be caused by various factors:
1. Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may lead to the formation of lung nodules, such as tuberculosis, pneumococcal pneumonia, or atypical mycobacterial infections.
2. Inflammatory response: Long-term inhalation of foreign substances, dust, or chemicals, such as asbestos, can cause chronic lung inflammation, resulting in inflammatory granulomas or nodules.
3. Tumors: Benign tumors, such as hamartomas, or early-stage lung cancers, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer, may also present as pulmonary nodules.
4. Lung injury: After lung trauma, such as from accidents or surgery, scar tissue may form and appear as a nodule.
If you have concerns, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
