Apical nodules are foci of increased density with a diameter of ≤10 mm located in the uppermost part of the lungs, anatomically located 2-3 cm above the medial clavicular segment, as detected by CT or other imaging studies. Possible etiologies of apical nodules include inflammation, tuberculosis, lymph node hyperplasia, and lung cancer, with a high probability of benign disease. Patients were differentiated into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk nodules based on risk factors such as whether they had a long history of heavy smoking, family history of tumors, and old age, as well as the nature of the nodule, its size, and signs of malignancy on CT. According to the Chinese Guidelines for Classification, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Nodules (2016 edition), high-risk nodules can be treated with empirical antibiotic therapy or biopsy after evaluation by a physician; intermediate-risk nodules are generally reviewed by CT after 3-6 months to assess changes in the nodules and then formulate the next diagnosis and treatment plan; and low-risk nodules are evaluated with follow-up visits every year. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with small apical lung nodules should be seen by a physician for evaluation and further treatment.