Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
A pulmonary nodule (also known as Solitary pulmonary nodule, SPN), or lung nodule, is an area of roundish shadowing or ‘spot’ usually 3cm (approximately 1 inch) or smaller in the lung. It does not usually cause any symptoms but can be seen on a CT scan (Computed Tomography) and sometimes on a chest x-ray. Pulmonary nodules are often found when the person is having a CT scan for another reason.
Why do lung nodules occur?
Pulmonary nodules are very common. Approximately 1 in 4 (25%) of older people who smoke or who are ex-smokers have nodules on a CT scan. People who have never smoked may also have nodules on a CT scan.
Most nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and may be caused by scarring from previous lung infections. They can occur in people who have had other conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. There may be several nodules. This is not necessarily more serious than just having one.
In a small number of people, the nodule could be a very early lung cancer; or occasionally a secondary cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body.
How can we find out the cause?
It is not always easy to know the cause of a nodule just from one CT scan. Because they are very small, doing a biopsy on them (taking a piece of the nodule out and examining it) can be very difficult and risky.
Do all nodules grow?
No. Benign (non-cancerous) nodules usually do not grow, and if they do then only very slowly. Cancerous nodules will eventually grow. The best way to assess them is to repeat the CT scan after a period of time. There is national guidance as to when scans should occur and what we should consider ‘significant’ growth.
So what happens next?
Your Chest Specialist will discuss your information at a meeting with other specialist doctors and nurses. A repeat chest x-ray or CT scan may then be arranged. It may be necessary to have a number of scans over several years. This will depend on many factors including:
• your age
• whether you have other symptoms or other known cancers
• whether you smoke or used to smoke
• your general health
• your own wishes regarding further investigation
If your nodule stays the same we may be able to discharge you. If a nodule grows or changes in any way a chest specialist may arrange for you to have further tests. This might include a different kind of CT or possibly a biopsy.
How will I get my results?
After your CT scan you will be contacted by the lung specialist with the results and next steps. This may be by letter. Even if the nodule grows, the whole idea of this programme is to find things BEFORE they cause symptoms /problems.
Should you develop any of the following symptoms between your scans, you should inform your GP or chest specialist as you may need to be seen sooner:
• pain in your chest
• shortness of breath
• repeated chest infections
• coughing up blood
Your GP will be kept fully informed about your progress. You can contact your GP for any information or if you have any questions.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Respiratory medicine service.
About this information
Service:
Respiratory medicine
Reference:
W/030
Approval date:
25 October 2024
Review date:
1 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.