Are most lung nodules cancerous?

Are most lung nodules cancerous?

Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. Yes, lung nodules can be cancerous, though most lung nodules are noncancerous (benign). Lung nodules — small masses of tissue in the lung — are quite common.

Does lung cancer start as a nodule?

The most common types of lung cancer include lung nodules, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. Rare lung cancers often don’t originate in the lung. Rare lung cancers vary according to size, recommended treatment options and rate of metastasis.

Can lung nodules be cured?

Although the majority of lung nodules are benign, it is still important they be diagnosed as early as possible. Pulmonary nodules can still be cured early on, while they can become more difficult to eradicate if they are allowed to grow. Still, it is important to note that even cancerous lung nodules can often be cured.

What is treatment for malignant lung nodule?

Lung Nodule Treatments. Treatment for lung nodules may range from a “watchful waiting” approach for benign nodules, to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for malignant nodules.

Can chemotherapy cure lung cancer?

Chemotherapy, when used for people with stage 4 lung cancer may extend survival. People treated with these drugs live, on average, a few weeks or a few months longer. Chemotherapy may also be used as a palliative therapy, reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath. Yet chemotherapy only rarely results in a cure for lung cancer.

What are the symptoms of a pulmonary nodule?

Pulmonary nodules usually cause no symptoms and are frequently discovered when a patient has a chest x-ray or CT scan for another reason. When they do cause symptoms, however, those symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or, in the case of pneumonia, fever.

Although the majority of lung nodules are benign, it is still important they be diagnosed as early as possible. Pulmonary nodules can still be cured early on, while they can become more difficult to eradicate if they are allowed to grow. Still, it is important to note that even cancerous lung nodules can often be cured.

Lung Nodule Treatments. Treatment for lung nodules may range from a “watchful waiting” approach for benign nodules, to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for malignant nodules.

Chemotherapy, when used for people with stage 4 lung cancer may extend survival. People treated with these drugs live, on average, a few weeks or a few months longer. Chemotherapy may also be used as a palliative therapy, reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath. Yet chemotherapy only rarely results in a cure for lung cancer.

Pulmonary nodules usually cause no symptoms and are frequently discovered when a patient has a chest x-ray or CT scan for another reason. When they do cause symptoms, however, those symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or, in the case of pneumonia, fever.