Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Medical Author:
Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FCCP
Coauthor:
Shehnaz Shaikh, MD
Medical Editor:
Winston W Tan, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Shreekanth V Karwande, MBBS
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule OverviewA solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a single abnormality in the lung that is smaller than 3 cm in diameter. Generally, a pulmonary nodule must grow to at least 1 cm in diameter before it can be seen on a chest x-ray film. An SPN is surrounded by normal lung tissue and is not associated with any other abnormality in the lung or nearby lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body). Persons with SPNs usually do not experience symptoms. SPNs are usually noticed by chance on a chest x-ray film that has been taken for another reason (referred to as an incidental finding). SPNs are one of the most common abnormalities seen on chest x-ray films. Approximately 150,000 cases are detected every year as incidental findings, either on x-ray films or CT scans. Most SPNs are benign (noncancerous); however, they may represent an early stage of primary lung cancer or may indicate that cancer is metastasizing (spreading) from another part of the body to the affected lung. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSolitary Pulmonary NoduleThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your solitary pulmonary nodule? |
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Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Bronchoscopy Introduction
Bronchoscopy allows a doctor to examine inside your airway for any abnormality such as foreign bodies, bleeding, a tumor, or inflammation. The doctor uses either a rigid bronchoscope or flexible bronchoscope.
- A German, Gustav Killian, performed the first bronchoscopy in 1897. From then until the 1970s, doctors evaluated people’s airways using a rigid bronchoscope.
- In the early 1970s, Ikeda introduced the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, which greatly enhanced the potential for the procedure. Since then, bronchoscopy has become an increasingly important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of chest diseases. It is now perhaps the most common invasive procedure in the study and care of lungs. Doctors use it in these ways:
- To see abnormalities of the airway
- To obtain samples of an abnormality or specimens in undiagnosed infections ...
- To see abnormalities of the airway
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Solitary Pulmonary Nodule »
Patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are usually asymptomatic; however, SPNs pose a challenge to both physicians and patients.
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