The detection rate of small nodules and ground-glass nodules in lung CT scans is indeed increasing, which makes many patients deeply anxious that these nodules will develop into lung cancer. But in fact, for solid nodules with a diameter of less than 5 mm and ground-glass nodules with a diameter of less than 7 mm, most of them are benign and there is no need to worry too much.
In 2022, a ground-glass nodule with a diameter of about 6 mm was detected for the first time, and after 4 years of observation, the nodule neither enlarged nor shrunk. Such cases actually give us a great enlightenment: for those small lung nodules and ground-glass nodules that are accidentally found during CT scans, there is no need to be overly nervous or panicked. Ground-glass nodules may be carcinoma in situ or local interstitial changes, but as long as no tendency to enlargement is observed during follow-up, you can rest assured and surgery is not required**.
Small and ground-glass nodules detected on CT of the lungs are not necessarily malignant and are benign in many cases. Therefore, when we find small nodules or ground-glass nodules in the lungs during CT scanning, we should stay calm, follow the doctor's advice, and have regular follow-up observations. In this way, changes in the nodule can be detected in time, and unnecessary panic and excesses can be avoided.