Popular science of pulmonary nodules

A pulmonary nodule is a small, round shadow of the lungs that is usually detected by a chest X-ray or CT scan. Pulmonary nodules can be classified into two types: benign and malignant. Benign nodules are common in granulomas (caused by infection or inflammation) or calcified nodules (formed by calcifications from old infection).

Malignant nodules can be a sign of early lung cancer, especially if the nodules have irregular margins or grow rapidly. Diagnosing a pulmonary nodule usually requires further imaging, PET scans, or a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample. Depending on the nature and risk of the nodule, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring, further testing, or treatment.