Detection of small nodules in the lung lobes requires determination of the nature of the nodule, if cancerous nodules require aggressive surgery, radiotherapy, etc., and if inflammatory nodules, etc., require treatment of the primary cause.
Small nodules in the lungs are most often found on CT (computed tomography) scan of the chest and manifest as small nodular changes in the lungs, even nodules smaller than 2 mm can be found. The discovery of small nodules in the lungs does not necessarily mean malignant disease, and the primary cause needs to be determined first. Small nodular changes in the lungs may be: pneumonia, tuberculosis Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, congenital abnormalities of the lungs, bronchiectasis, pulmonary Aspergillosis, adenomatous hyperplasia, early lung cancer, gastric cancer, and other diseases can manifest as pulmonary nodules.
Small nodules in the lung lobes that are found to be smaller than 8 mm in size can be followed up periodically with a chest CT to observe any growth and morphologic changes in the nodules at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, and if the nodules do not change significantly, the follow-up period can be extended appropriately. If the nodule is larger than 8 mm, we should actively consult the cardiothoracic surgeon to determine whether further chest enhancement CT is needed. If the nodule is found to be irregular in shape, such as burr-like, pleural pulling, etc., we should actively perform related treatment, such as puncture biopsy to clarify the nature of the nodule, and if it is cancerous, we need to actively perform surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other related treatments. If the nodules are only inflammatory or old tuberculosis nodules, the infection can be actively controlled and the primary cause treated.