You can get lung cancer without lung nodules.
Early stage lung cancer usually only manifests as lung nodules, and without lung nodules, it will be less likely to get lung cancer, but there may still be some cancers in other parts of the body that metastasize to the lungs, which can lead to metastatic lung cancer.
Most of the lung nodules are benign and a small percentage of them can become cancerous and thus develop lung cancer. If lung nodules have been detected on chest CT, appropriate tests, such as puncture biopsy, should be performed to clarify the benign or malignant nature of the nodules as prescribed by the doctor.
In addition, there are some people who have normal lung tissues, but due to malignant tumors in other parts of the body, such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, etc., they metastasize to the lungs, resulting in the development of metastatic lung cancer.
For middle-aged and old people and long-term smokers, regular medical checkups are needed for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.