Lung Masses Treated By Team of Mercy Doctors in Baltimore
Highly-respected interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sy Sarkar of Interventional Pulmonology at Mercy offers start-of-the-art minimally invasive options for patients with lung masses.
A lung mass is defined as an abnormal growth or spot in the lungs larger than three centimeters or one-and-a-half inches in size. Spots that are smaller than three centimeters in diameter are considered lung nodules. Lung masses are defined as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In most cases a lung mass is diagnosed as lung cancer.
Causes can include both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Examples of non-modifiable risk factors include family history or genetics. Risk factors that can be changed (modifiable) include habits such as smoking. The best way to modify your risk of lung cancer is to stop smoking.
Most patients with a lung mass experience no symptoms. However, those with symptoms may have the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing for a long time
- Coughing up blood
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fever
- Chest pain
The majority of lung masses are found during tests or procedures, such as:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Bronchoscopy
- CT-guided biopsy
If treatment for a lung mass is recommended, the course of action will depend upon many factors. Treatment options can include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy