Pure ground-glass nodules have a slightly higher chance of malignancy, about 18%, than solid nodules and lower than mixed ground-glass nodules.
Lung nodules can be categorized into solid nodules, pure ground-glass nodules, and mixed ground-glass nodules according to their composition or density. The ground-glass component is a cloudy, slightly dense shadow on chest CT; pure ground-glass nodules contain only ground-glass components; and mixed ground-glass nodules have both solid and ground-glass components.
The probability of malignancy is approximately 18% for pure ground-glass nodules, 7% for solid nodules, and 63% for mixed ground-glass nodules. Thus, the risk of malignancy is higher for pure ground glass nodules than for solid nodules, but lower than for mixed ground glass nodules.
The malignant risk of pure ground-glass nodules also needs to be judged in relation to the size and shape of the nodule. For example, the malignancy rate of lung nodules <8 mm is generally very low, while the malignancy rate of lung nodules >8 mm is higher than 15%. The risk of malignancy is also higher if the nodule is lobulated or has a burr sign.
It is recommended that patients consult a specialist to determine the cause of the disease and assess the risk of malignancy, taking into account the size of the nodule and the results of tumor markers, and follow the doctor’s instructions.