If the left lower lung nodule is 13-17mm, regular follow-up, medication or surgery should be given after a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the nodule in combination with the patient’s symptoms and other tests.
If the border of the left lower lung nodule is relatively clear and there is no burr or pleural pulling phenomenon, then this nodule may be a benign lesion, and the possibility of inflammatory nodule or tuberculous nodule can be considered. The nature of the nodule can be further determined according to the corresponding laboratory tests and clinical symptoms.
For tuberculous nodules, anti-tuberculosis treatment is needed, and commonly used drugs include rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, pyrazinamide and so on. Inflammatory nodules are mainly due to bacterial infection, and need to be given sensitive antibiotic treatment, such as ceftazidime, amoxicillin and so on. After treatment, chest CT should be repeated to observe the changes of the nodules.
Nodules under CT manifested as ground glass shadow with unclear boundary, even with burr and pleural pulling phenomenon, in this case, we should be alert to the possibility of malignancy. Further bronchoscopy, lung puncture, or direct intraoperative frozen pathologic examination is needed to clarify the nature of the nodule. For malignant nodules, early surgical resection is needed, and the next step of treatment is chosen according to the situation after surgery.
Therefore, for left lower lung nodule 13-17mm, different treatments should be chosen according to the imaging manifestations and clinical symptoms. Please follow the doctor’s prescription for specific treatment and medication.