Lung Nodules - Treatment by Respected Baltimore Interventional Pulmonologist
Patients throughout Maryland turn to Mercy’s highly-experienced pulmonology team and respected interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sy Sarkar for diagnosis and management of lung nodules.
A pulmonary nodule, also known as a lung nodule, is a small spot or growth that is found on the lung and is less than three centimeters in diameter. (Anything larger is considered a lung mass.) A lung nodule can be solitary, meaning just one, or there can be multiple. At Mercy, your lung specialist will customize your care and management within our dedicated pulmonary nodule clinic.
Lung nodules are very common and most are benign, or noncancerous. They can form due to a variety of circumstances including infection, illness or scarring.
Causes can include both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Examples of some 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 nodule(s) will experience no symptoms. However, those with symptoms may notice:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing for a long time
- Coughing up blood
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fever
- Chest pain
Some common diagnostic tests and procedures to diagnose lung nodule(s) include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Bronchoscopy
- CT-guided biopsy
Small, noncancerous lung nodules do not typically require treatment. If the nodules are infected, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed.
If the nodule increases in size, causes further issues, or is cancerous, surgical procedures to remove the pulmonary nodules may be recommended.
Other treatment options can include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy