In the follow-up observation of lung nodules, we often encounter three situations:Pulmonary nodules become larger, unchanged, and smaller。1. When the pulmonary nodule appears in the follow-up process, it is obviousIncreased diameter or increased density, this is usually not a good signThe likelihood of malignant nodules is high。Surgical excision is required, and pathological examination is performed to determine the nature. 2. If the pulmonary nodule is in the follow-up processThere are no noticeable changes, which is usually a positive signIt is more likely to be considered benign
However, weThe possibility of its malignancy cannot be completely ruled out。Therefore, it is advisable to continue regular follow-up with regular chest CT examinations in order to detect any possible abnormal changes in a timely manner. 3. If the pulmonary nodule is in the follow-up processNoticeably smaller, which is usually a comforting result. This case of nodules, basicallyIt can be thought of as inflammationcaused. In this case, patients are not overly concerned, but regular chest examinations are still required to ensure that the inflammation has completely resolved.
Why do lung nodules always change in size?
The diameter of the nodule varies within 2 mm
Because pulmonary nodules are not standard spheres, but irregular shapes, so,Measure different parts of the lung nodules, or because of the different hospitals for re-examinationCT has a different resolution, all of which can cause changes in the diameter of the nodule.
The diameter of the nodule changes by more than 2 mm within a few months
Pulmonary nodules that shrink by more than 2 mm in a short period of time are usually benign inflammation. However, if the nodule grows by more than 2 mm in a short period of time, it is also inflamed in most cases. However, it is important to note that a very small number of high-grade malignant tumors can also grow more quickly.
The diameter of the nodule varies by more than 2 mm in a few years
If you're shrinking more than 2mm, that's pretty much the way out of malignancy. However, if the lung nodule is enlarged by more than 2mm, it is necessary to be very vigilant for malignancy, because the vast majority of malignant tumors follow a trend of slow enlargement in the early stage. At this time, if the diameter of the lung nodule is more than 6-8mm, you can consult a surgeon to see if surgical removal is needed.
67-year-old Mr. Zhao suffers from pulmonary nodules, I heard that our hospital specializes in the treatment of respiratory diseases from Hunnan rushed to the hospital, Director Gao Hongying is explaining the nodules on the lung CT to the patient, and preparing a scientific and effective plan!
How do I see a doctor if a lung nodule is detected?
If pulmonary nodules are found on physical examination and are asymptomatic, it is recommended to go to a respiratory medicine or thoracic surgeon. If the lung nodule is accompanied by irritating dry cough, low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss and other symptoms, it is recommended to go to a respiratory medicine or oncology department.
Doctors can make a clear diagnosis of the nature of the disease through the patient's questioning, physical examination, and corresponding auxiliary diagnoses, such as blood routine, serum tumor markers, X-ray, contrast-enhanced CT, flexible bronchoscopy, and needle biopsy.
Among them, chest CT is currently recognized as the most reliable and sensitive imaging examination method for lung diseases. Conventional CT scan has high sensitivity and low specificity, and is mostly used for screening high-risk groups; CT scan can show the basic morphology of lung nodules and the fine structure of the nodule margins, which is helpful for doctors to judge the density, margins, calcification and surrounding relationship of lung nodules through the corresponding monitoring data results, and then accurately evaluate the basic properties of pulmonary nodules.
Note*: The content of this article is for reference only and is not used as a basis for diagnosing individual symptoms. Part of the *** network, invaded and deleted. ）