Lung nodules of a nature to be determined and followed up means that the etiology of the lung nodule and the nature of the nodular lesion cannot be clarified for the time being, and needs to be managed by regular follow-up examinations.
Lung nodules are rounded lung shadows with a diameter of ≤30 mm that are detected by imaging. Lung nodules can be caused by a variety of etiologies, such as lung infections, tuberculosis, old lung lesions, lung tumors, long-term smoking or exposure to dust. In some patients, the cause of lung nodules and their benign or malignant nature cannot be clearly determined, so they are called lung nodules of undetermined nature.
Generally, if the nature of the lung nodule is undetermined, regular follow-up can be taken to observe the changes of the nodule. If the lung nodule is larger than 8mm, the risk of malignancy is higher, and PET/CT, non-surgical biopsy and surgical resection are needed to further evaluate the nature of the nodule and to determine the benign or malignant nature as soon as possible.
If lung nodules are found, it is recommended to consult the doctor promptly, complete the examination, and follow the doctor’s instructions for follow-up and treatment.