Lung nodules, or pulmonary nodules are small, roundish growth that appear on the lung, that is usually about three centimeters or less in size. Lung nodules can be cancerous or can be caused by other serious diseases. Cancerous nodules are usually marked by quick growth that quickly become masses. About 40 percent of pulmonary nodule cases turn out to be cancerous, so most lung nodules are dealt with as if it is cancerous until it can be diagnosed as otherwise.A lung nodule that is cancerous can normally double in size as quickly as every 25 days. The biggest numbers of occurring lung nodules cases are classified as 'benign' which means it has very little growth.
Pulmonary nodules can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common of which is lung cancer as well as it can also be the primary stage leading up to lung cancer. It can also be developed as a result of the spreading of other types of cancers. Long nodules can also occur due to other small tumor growths in the body such as carcinoid, lymphoma, blastoma, hamartoma, sarcoma, firbroma and neurofibroma.
Lymphoma is a tumor that forms within the cells of the lymphoid system. Blastoma is a tumor that develops from the embryonic cells. Hamartoma is due to a disorganization of a mixture of cells in the body. Sarcoma is a group of tumors that arise from connective cells. Fibroma and Neurofibroma are non cancerous tumors made up of nerve fibers.
Risk of lung nodules also maximize with exposure to Infections from bacterias like tuberculosis, immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fungus like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis can also cause lung nodules. Tuberculosis spreads from skin contact or inhalation of the tuberculosis bacteria. Most fungus like crptococcosis grow in soil and materials contaminated with bird or bat faeces. Infection of fungus can also become airborne when the contaminated area is troubled. Especially persons who farm, do gardening ,construction jobs, cave divers or any other task which requires exposure to certain bacteria are more likely to be infected with fungus.
Other serious disease that cause lung nodules include infections like pulmonary abscess, Hydatid cyst and pneumonia. An abscess is a collection of pus that develops in response to an infection. It usually appears as a swollen area and can be very dicomforting. The skin around it usually turns red or pink. Hydatid cyst are abnormal sac-like build up that can be found anywhere in the body and can hold fluid or gaseous substances with an outer wall called a capsule.
Pneumonia is formed as a result of an irritation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia can result from either an infection as well as it can be otherwise and the infection may be viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic. Most of these infections can be cured with medication and the patient can make a full recovery.Lung nodules are normally diagnosed by physical examinations, chest x-rays and CT scans.
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