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Lung nodules, or pulmonary nodules are miniature, roundish growth that appear on the lung, that is usually about three centimeters or less in diameter. Lung nodules can be cancerous or can be caused by other serious illness. Cancerous nodules are usually marked by quick growth that quickly become masses. Approximately four out of six pulmonary nodule cases turn out to be cancerous, so most lung nodules are dealt with as if it is cancerous until it can be proven otherwise. A lung nodule that is cancerous can normally double in size as quickly as every 25 days. The largest numbers of occurring lung nodules cases are considered as ‘benign’ which means it has very little growth.

Lung nodules may be contracted as a result of a number of reasons, the most popular of which is lung cancer as well as it can also be the first stage leading up to lung cancer. It can also be developed as a result of the spreading of other types of cancers. Long nodules can also occur from other small tumor growths in the body such as carcinoid, lymphoma, blastoma, hamartoma, sarcoma, firbroma and neurofibroma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms within the cells of the lymphoid system. Blastoma is a tumor that develops from the embryonic tissue. Hamartoma is caused by a disorganization of a group of cells in the body. Sarcoma is a group of tumors that arise from connective tissue. Fibroma and Neurofibroma are non cancerous tumors that form from nerve fibers.

Risk of lung nodules also maximize with exposure to Infections from viruses like tuberculosis, immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fungus like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis can also cause lung nodules. Tuberculosis spreads from person to person contact or breathing in the tuberculosis germ. Most fungus like crptococcosis grow in soil and materials infected by bird or bat droppings. Infection of fungus can also become airborne when the contaminated soil is disturbed. Particularly persons who farm, do gardening ,construction jobs, cave divers or any other job which requires them to be around certain bacteria are more likely to be infected with fungus.

Other serious illnesses that cause lung nodules include infections such as lung abscess, Hydatid cyst and pneumonia. An abscess is a collection of pus that form in response to an infection. It usually appears as a swollen area and can be very dicomforting. The skin around it normally becomes red or pink. Hydatid cyst are abnormal sac-like build up that can be located anywhere in the body and can contain liquids or gaseous substances with an outer wall called a capsule. Pneumonia is developed as a result of an irritation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia can be due to an infection as well as it can be otherwise and the infection may be viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic. Most of these infections can be cured with drugs and the patient can make a full recovery.

Pulmonary nodules are normally diagnosed by physical examinations, chest x-rays and computed tomography.