Lung nodules and lesions

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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, thoracic 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.

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.

Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.
X-ray
We use x-rays to diagnose broken bones, lung problems, and many other conditions.
CT scan
A CT scan helps diagnose traumatic injuries, cancer, vascular diseases, and many other conditions.
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
This diagnostic procedure examines your lungs and surrounding lymph nodes for signs of disease. 
Bronchoscopy
This procedure uses a thin scope to examine your airways and lungs to diagnose or treat disease.

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.

Lobectomy
A procedure where one of the sections of the lungs is removed, it's often done to treat lung cancer.

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.

Related specialties

Lung cancer care
Our experienced providers and innovative treatments offer the best possible lung cancer outcomes.
Interventional pulmonology
Penn Medicine’s interventional pulmonology experts use minimally invasive techniques to diagnose lung diseases.
Pulmonary and respiratory care
Our lung specialists have in-depth knowledge of pulmonary medicine and can treat complex diseases.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.

Find a doctorCall 800-789-7366