Lung nodule program

Lung nodules are found on a chest X-ray or CT scan. Nodules may be found when a person has an annual lung cancer screening, which is recommended for people at high risk. Lung nodules can also be found during routine exams or tests for other conditions. 

When a lung nodule is found, your team may do additional tests to determine if the nodules are cancerous. These tests may include additional chest CT scans, positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans and/or a biopsy. A lung biopsy is a procedure to collect a tissue sample from the lung nodule and examine it for abnormal cells. It can be done in one of the following ways: 

• Needle biopsy: In this procedure, a needle is inserted through the chest to collect a sample.  
• Bronchoscopy: In this procedure, a flexible, lighted tube is inserted through your nose or mouth and into your lungs. 
• Bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): In this procedure, ultrasound is used to look at lymph nodes that surround your bronchial tubes. 
• Bronchoscopy with electromagnetic navigation: In this procedure, special sensors are used to look at an area of your lungs that can’t be reached by a regular bronchoscope. 
• Mediastinoscopy: In this procedure, a tissue sample is collected through an incision made at the top of the breastbone. 

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Of these, NSCLC is more common, but SCLC grows and spreads faster. 

When you meet with your lung nodule treatment team, they will go over your test results with you and work closely with you to develop a treatment plan. This treatment plan will be tailored to your individual diagnosis and preferences and will take your overall health into consideration. 

Nodules that are not cancerous typically do not change or grow. Cancerous (malignant) nodules will grow and change. For this reason, if you are not at high risk for developing lung cancer and your nodule is small, your doctor may continue to observe it. This will mean having CT scans every 6–12 months to monitor the nodule for growth or other changes. If the nodule does not change over time, no other treatment is needed. 

If your nodule is cancerous, your health care team will recommend lung cancer treatment. This treatment will depend on the type of lung cancer you have and how far it has progressed. The most common type of treatment for lung cancer is surgery, along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Learn how Allina Health approaches lung cancer care and treatment. 

Your first visit at our Lung Nodule Program will be with a lung specialist. It is important to be ready to talk about your medical history, and to bring a list of your current medicines and a friend or family member for support. During this appointment, you may have many questions. Feel free to ask them. These may include questions such as: 

• Why do I have nodules in my lungs? 

• Do I have lung cancer? 

• Will I have more tests? 

• How will you treat my lung nodules? 

• Will my lung nodules or their treatment affect my daily life? 

• What support resources are available to help me? 

• Whom should I call if I have questions after I leave the office? 

Coverage for lung nodule testing and treatment will depend on your individual plan. Call your insurance company before your first appointment to find out what is covered and your share of the cost.

If you have any questions about your health insurance coverage, contact your health insurance provider. You can do this by calling the number on your membership card. 

Yes, lung nodules are common. They are found in about half of all adults who have a chest X-ray or CT scan. Most lung nodules that are found are not cancerous. 

Most lung nodules are caused by scar tissue from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis, or inflammation and abscesses that happened with prior infections. Lung nodules may also be caused by exposure to fungus and other air pollutants. In some cases, the cause is unknown.  

When a lung nodule is cancerous, it is most often due to a history of heavy smoking. Exposure to lung irritants, such as radon and asbestos, can also cause cancer. Additional tests will be done to confirm that a lung nodule is cancerous. 

Small nodules on the lungs usually do not cause symptoms. It is only when the nodules are large that pain or problems with breathing happen. Large nodules are most often associated with lung cancer.