Some people who undergo regular health check-ups have revealed that they discovered lung nodules during their examinations. Some of them have even progressed to the stage of surgical treatment, leading to suspicions about possible contributing factors.
In reality, aside from factors such as changes in environment and lifestyle, advancements in screening technologies play a crucial role in the increasing detection of nodules. From the perspective of prognosis and quality of survival, this is an optimistic change. Early detection allows for early intervention, resulting in better prognosis.
Doctors advise against excessive anxiety upon seeing the term "lung nodules." The majority of pulmonary nodules are caused by benign conditions or scars left by past lung diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Generally, over 90% of lung nodules are considered benign, with only around 1.2% being malignant. Additionally, the probability of lung cancer for nodules smaller than 8 millimeters is less than 1%, so there is no need for excessive concern.
So, what kind of nodules require attention and intervention? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a globally renowned cancer guideline organization in the US, provides specific treatment recommendations:
Solid Lung Nodule Management Guidelines
(1) Solid nodules measuring 6-8 millimeters should be followed up every 6-12 months. If there is no significant change, subsequent follow-ups can be spaced 18-24 months apart.
(2) For solid nodules larger than 8 millimeters, the likelihood of malignancy increases, requiring a follow-up every 3 months.
(3) All lung nodule screenings and follow-up chest CT scans should be performed at low doses.
Subsolid Lung Nodule Management Guidelines
(1) Ground-glass nodules larger than 6 millimeters should be followed up every 6-12 months. If there is no significant change, subsequent follow-ups can be spaced 18-24 months apart.
(2) Pure ground-glass nodules under 20mm do not require surgery and can be observed.
(3) Even if pure ground-glass nodules are growing, surgery can be delayed until they reach 20mm or above.
(4) Pure ground-glass nodules ≥20mm, if stable with no growth during follow-up, should not undergo immediate surgery and should be continuously observed.
In reality, aside from factors such as changes in environment and lifestyle, advancements in screening technologies play a crucial role in the increasing detection of nodules. From the perspective of prognosis and quality of survival, this is an optimistic change. Early detection allows for early intervention, resulting in better prognosis.
Doctors advise against excessive anxiety upon seeing the term "lung nodules." The majority of pulmonary nodules are caused by benign conditions or scars left by past lung diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Generally, over 90% of lung nodules are considered benign, with only around 1.2% being malignant. Additionally, the probability of lung cancer for nodules smaller than 8 millimeters is less than 1%, so there is no need for excessive concern.
So, what kind of nodules require attention and intervention? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a globally renowned cancer guideline organization in the US, provides specific treatment recommendations:
Solid Lung Nodule Management Guidelines
(1) Solid nodules measuring 6-8 millimeters should be followed up every 6-12 months. If there is no significant change, subsequent follow-ups can be spaced 18-24 months apart.
(2) For solid nodules larger than 8 millimeters, the likelihood of malignancy increases, requiring a follow-up every 3 months.
(3) All lung nodule screenings and follow-up chest CT scans should be performed at low doses.
Subsolid Lung Nodule Management Guidelines
(1) Ground-glass nodules larger than 6 millimeters should be followed up every 6-12 months. If there is no significant change, subsequent follow-ups can be spaced 18-24 months apart.
(2) Pure ground-glass nodules under 20mm do not require surgery and can be observed.
(3) Even if pure ground-glass nodules are growing, surgery can be delayed until they reach 20mm or above.
(4) Pure ground-glass nodules ≥20mm, if stable with no growth during follow-up, should not undergo immediate surgery and should be continuously observed.
