1. Understanding COPD Slideshow
2. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Quiz
3. Energy Foods for COPD Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

Most persons with solitary pulmonary nodule do not experience symptoms. Generally, solitary pulmonary nodule is detected as an incidental finding.

Approximately 20% to 30% of all cases of lung cancer appear as solitary pulmonary nodules on chest X-ray films. Therefore, the goal of investigating an solitary pulmonary nodule is to differentiate a benign growth from a malignant growth as soon and as accurately as possible.

Solitary pulmonary nodules should be considered potentially cancerous until proven otherwise.

People should always communicate openly and honestly with their health care professional about their history and risk factors.

The following features are important when assessing whether the solitary pulmonary nodule is benign or malignant.

• Age: Risk of malignancy increases with age.
  • Risk of 3% at age 35 to 39 years
  • Risk of 15% at age 40 to 49 years
  • Risk of 43% at age 50 to 59 years
  • Risk of greater than 50% in persons older than 60 years
• Smoking history: A history of smoking increases the chances of the solitary pulmonary nodule being malignant.
• Prior history of cancer: People with a history of cancer in other areas of the body have a greater chance that the solitary pulmonary nodule is malignant.
• Occupational risk factors for lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos, radon, nickel, chromium, vinyl chloride, and polycyclic hydrocarbons increases the chance that the solitary pulmonary nodule is malignant.
• Travel history: People who have traveled to areas with endemic mycosis (for example, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis) or a high prevalence of tuberculosis have a higher chance of the solitary pulmonary nodule being benign.
• People who have a history of tuberculosis or pulmonary mycosis have a greater chance of the solitary pulmonary nodule being benign.

Must Read Articles Related to Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Abscess An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are...learn more >>

Cryptococcosis Cryptococcus gattii and C. neoformans are two fungi that cause cryptococcosis when inhaled. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, seizure, coma, meningitis, ...learn more >>

Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Symptoms and signs include coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing, and chronic respiratory infections. Treat...learn more >>

See the Entire Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Topic Guide »