Are lung nodules inflammatory?
Disease description:
Recently, our organization conducted a physical examination, and I was found to have pulmonary nodules. I am concerned that there may be inflammation in my lungs. May I ask if pulmonary nodules are a sign of inflammation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Pulmonary nodules are not directly equivalent to inflammation, but there is a certain association between the two.
Pulmonary nodules are not synonymous with inflammation. They are radiological terms describing small, round or oval-shaped shadows in the lungs detected by chest X-ray or CT scan, typically less than 3 centimeters in diameter. Pulmonary nodules can be either benign or malignant. Inflammation is a defensive response of the body to injury or infection, usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Although some pulmonary nodules may be caused by inflammatory processes, such as scar tissue left after an infection, not all pulmonary nodules are directly related to inflammation. While most pulmonary nodules are benign, malignancy cannot be ruled out.
When a pulmonary nodule is detected, doctors will evaluate its characteristics based on its size, shape, margin clarity, density, and the patient's overall health and medical history. If the nodule is determined to be benign, no treatment may be necessary, and regular follow-up examinations are sufficient. However, if the nodule is malignant, surgical removal of the affected lung lobe may be required as recommended by the physician to help improve symptoms.
