Physical examination shows pulmonary nodules, should I cut them?
In recent years, people have paid more and more attention to physical examination. At the same time, various "nodules", "cysts", "hyperplasia" and "polyps" have appeared one after another. Because the incidence of lung cancer in China is very high, so now CT is used to replace the original chest X-ray in the physical examination of patients. With the popularity of this project, "small pulmonary nodules" are more and more appearing on the physical examination report of many people.
What is a pulmonary nodule?
Pulmonary nodules are a granulomatous disease that occurs mostly in the chest, often causing respiratory disease, possibly related to immune system disorders. When the lungs were checked, there were small plaques in the lungs.
- Early symptoms of pulmonary nodules
Lung nodules under one centimeter are generally asymptomatic. If you have the following symptoms, you need to pay attention!
- Impaired lung function: cough and expectoration, chest pain
In the early stages, symptoms are not particularly noticeable because the lung damage is mild. There may be occasional cough and sputum symptoms, with very little sputum; as the condition worsens, there will be some blood in the sputum. In addition, patients experience mild pain due to impaired lung function as lung nodules compress surrounding tissue and nerves.
- Co-infection: fever, chills, fatigue
When pulmonary nodules are co-infected, there will be fever. Because of the rise in body temperature, the body often feels cold, accompanied by muscle soreness, fatigue and weakness.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
When pulmonary nodules appear, it may affect the digestive system. Due to physical fatigue and reduced exercise, loss of appetite, such as not liking greasy food, decreased food intake, or not eating for a long time, will cause insufficient intake of nutrients, weight loss, etc. will become lighter.
- Shortness of breath
When there are extensive lesions in the lungs, it may be accompanied by symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath. It is particularly laborious to breathe, and you always feel that there is not enough air.
What are the causes of pulmonary nodules?
Smoking: People who smoke regularly are prone to damage to their lungs, so they are more likely to develop pulmonary nodules. Inhalation of second-hand smoke is also one of the victims!
Long-term exposure to dust environment: For example, miners, electric welders, teachers, etc. who are exposed to dust environment for a long time are high-risk groups of pulmonary nodules.
Lung diseases: Lung inflammation, tuberculosis, lung tumors, etc. can also induce pulmonary nodules.
The prevention and treatment of pulmonary nodules
Do not take the initiative to smoke, stay away from second-hand smoke
Do a good job of occupational protection and avoid long-term exposure to dust environment.
When encountering moderate to severe air pollution, you should wear protective masks when going out, and use air purifiers indoors.
Regular physical examination and screening, especially for those with past medical history of lung and family history of lung tumor.
Most pulmonary nodules do not need treatment, because most of them are benign lesions and only need regular review. When nodules <6 mm, routine follow-up is unnecessary. When the nodules are between 6-8 mm, regular follow-up is recommended every 6-12 months, and extended to every 18-24 months after the disease is stabilized. When the nodule is 8 mm, follow-up every 3 months may consider PET/CT or biopsy.
