What are lung nodules and lesions?
Lung nodules are small, round growths in the lungs. Lung lesions are any abnormal areas of lung tissue, including nodules, but also tumors, infections, or scars. These growths or areas are often discovered incidentally during routine screenings or imaging tests for unrelated conditions. The vast majority—more than 90 percent—are benign (noncancerous). Once discovered, they require careful evaluation and monitoring to rule out lung cancer or to provide treatments for benign conditions that cause persistent symptoms.
At Penn Medicine, a highly skilled team of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists, and advanced practice nurses work together to assess lung nodules and lesions. We answer questions about your condition and devise next steps, from monitoring to intervention.
Symptoms of lung nodules and lesions
Most lung nodules and lesions do not have any symptoms because they are too small to affect breathing. Larger nodules may cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, or bloody mucus.
What causes lung nodules and lesions?
These abnormal lung tissues may develop due to infections, inflammation, tumors, or other conditions.
Benign pulmonary nodules and lesions are noncancerous growths that may result from:
- Infections: Bacterial and fungal infections can cause inflammation, leading to granulomas—small clumps of inflamed tissue.
- Inflammatory conditions: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or pulmonary sarcoidosis can trigger noninfectious lung inflammation, forming nodules.
- Noncancerous tumors: Hamartomas, the most common type, contain normal lung tissue like fat and cartilage. Less common benign tumors include chondromas, fibromas, and lipomas.
- Scar tissue: Previous lung infections or injuries can leave scar tissue that forms lesions.
- Lung cysts and abscesses: These conditions may also cause benign nodules to form.
Malignant pulmonary nodules and lesions are cancerous growths that can develop from:
- Primary lung cancer: Malignant lung nodules can develop as an early sign of lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause, but other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke and certain airborne or occupational chemicals. Genetic factors may also play a role.
- Metastatic cancer: Cancers from other parts of the body can spread to the lungs and form malignant nodules.
Diagnosing lung nodules and other masses
Nodules and lesions in the lungs are usually found during imaging tests done for other reasons, through lung cancer screening for people at high risk, or when investigating symptoms like chronic cough or chest pain. Doctors perform further imaging tests and, if inconclusive, biopsies, to determine whether nodules and lesions are benign or malignant.
Treatment for lung growths
Benign lung nodules, lesions, or masses usually require no treatment, just surveillance. The lung specialists at Penn Medicine will monitor them with regular CT scans for at least two years to detect any changes. If they remain stable, no further action may be needed.
In some cases, lung nodules and lesions may be surgically removed if they’re causing significant symptoms or if there’s persistent uncertainty about their nature. Treatments for lung cancer vary widely, depending on the type and stage of cancer and other factors.
Proactive monitoring and care builds confidence
Penn Medicine’s highly skilled team of thoracic and imaging experts will mobilize quickly to evaluate you and provide answers about your condition. We provide close, continued monitoring of lung nodules and lesions to detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and avoid unnecessary surgery.