If you’ve recently been told you have a lung nodule, you’re not alone. Lung nodules are found in up to half of all chest CT scans, and most are benign (non-cancerous). However, their presence can be unsettling, especially if you’re at higher risk for lung conditions.

This guide from Nova Pulmonary and Sleep, your trusted pulmonologist and sleep specialist in Vienna, Ashburn, and surrounding Virginia areas, will help you understand:

What lung nodules are
Why they form
How they’re evaluated
When to worry and when not to
What are your next steps?

Whether you’re experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, snoring, or sleep apnea, or you’re monitoring a lung condition like COPD or asthma, understanding lung nodules is essential to your lung health.

What Is a Lung Nodule?

A lung nodule, also called a pulmonary nodule, is a small, round or oval-shaped growth on the lung that’s less than 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) in diameter. They are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, which are ordered for other reasons.

Lung nodules are broadly categorized as:

Benign (non-cancerous)

Often due to infection, inflammation, or scar tissue

Malignant (cancerous)

These need prompt evaluation and possibly a biopsy

Nodules larger than 3 cm are typically referred to as lung masses, which carry a higher risk of malignancy.

Causes of Lung Nodules

Lung nodules can form for various reasons, and not all are dangerous. Common causes include:

Infections

Bacterial infections (e.g., tuberculosis or pneumonia)
Fungal infections (e.g., histoplasmosis, common in some areas of the U.S.)
These infections can leave behind scar tissue that appears as nodules.

Inflammatory Conditions

Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis, can cause granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation in the lungs that may appear as nodules.

Benign Tumors

Some nodules are composed of non-cancerous growths, such as hamartomas, which typically don’t require treatment.

Malignancy

Cancerous lung nodules may result from:

Primary lung cancer (especially in smokers or older adults)
Metastatic cancer (cancers from other organs that have spread to the lungs)

Risk Factors for Malignant Lung Nodules

Although most lung nodules are not cancerous, certain features and patient histories increase the risk of malignancy.

Key risk factors include

Age over 50
History of smoking
Size of the nodule (larger nodules are more concerning)
Spiculated or irregular shape on imaging
Nodule growth over time
Personal or family history of cancer
Occupational exposures (e.g., asbestos, radon)

If you’re located in Vienna, Tyson’s Corner, Ashburn, or South Riding, and you have any of these risk factors, it’s essential to consult a lung specialist for evaluation.

How Are Lung Nodules Diagnosed?

Imaging

Most nodules are detected through:

Chest X-ray: May pick up larger nodules
CT scan: Provides detailed images and helps distinguish between benign and malignant features

PET Scan

If malignancy is suspected, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can determine if the nodule is metabolically active (a sign of cancer).

Biopsy

If the imaging suggests malignancy or if the nodule is growing:

Needle biopsy: A needle is inserted through the chest wall to collect tissue
Bronchoscopy: A camera is inserted into the airways to obtain tissue
Surgical biopsy: Sometimes required if other methods are inconclusive

Monitoring

Benign nodules are often monitored with follow-up CT scans at 3, 6, or 12 months to ensure they do not grow or change in size.

Lung Nodule Symptoms

Most lung nodules do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally. However, in some cases, symptoms may include:

Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Unintentional weight loss

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially with a history of smoking or respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, schedule a consultation with a pulmonologist in Fairfax, Chantilly, or Leesburg.

What Happens After a Lung Nodule Is Found?

Your next steps depend on your risk and the characteristics of the nodule.

If It’s Low-Risk:

Regular imaging follow-ups every 6-12 months
Lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation)
Monitoring symptoms

If It’s High-Risk:

Further imaging (CT, PET scan)
Referral to a lung specialist
Biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer
Possible surgical removal

At Nova Pulmonary and Sleep, our physicians develop personalized care plans using evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST).

Living with Lung Nodules: What You Can Do

Whether your lung nodule turns out to be benign or malignant, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your lung health:

Quit Smoking

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Quitting significantly lowers your risk, even after a diagnosis.

Attend Regular Screenings

If you’re age 50+ and have a smoking history, consider low-dose CT scans for early detection of lung cancer.

Monitor Symptoms

Monitor symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, or chest pain, and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

Stay on Top of Follow-Ups

Even benign nodules need to be tracked. Follow-up CTs help ensure that nothing has changed over time.

Maintain Overall Lung Health

Manage conditions like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea with the help of a pulmonologist or sleep specialist.

Why Choose Nova Pulmonary and Sleep?

Suppose you’re located in Ashburn, South Riding, Leesburg, Fairfax, Tyson’s Corner, Purcellville, Chantilly, Broadlands, Brambleton, or Vienna. In that case, our board-certified physicians are here to guide you through every step, from initial discovery to diagnosis and long-term care.

We Offer

Comprehensive lung and sleep evaluations
On-site imaging interpretation
Coordination with oncology and thoracic surgery, if needed
Compassionate care and patient education

Whether you need help managing sleep apnea, chronic cough, or evaluating a lung nodule, we are here to support your wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Nodules

Are lung nodules always cancer?

Over 90% of nodules smaller than 2 cm are benign, especially in people under 40 without risk factors.

How fast do cancerous nodules grow?

Malignant nodules often grow over weeks or months. That’s why monitoring size over time is a key part of diagnosis.

Can lung nodules go away on their own

Yes. Some infectious or inflammatory nodules can resolve, particularly if caused by a recent illness.

When should I see a pulmonologist?

You should consult a lung specialist if you:

Have a nodule with high-risk features
Experience symptoms like a persistent cough or breathlessness
Have a history of smoking or cancer
Need a second opinion on your scan

Take Control of Your Lung Health Today

Don’t ignore lung nodules. Get the answers and care you need. Early detection and professional evaluation are crucial for peace of mind and improved outcomes.

At Nova Pulmonary and Sleep, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier whether you’re in Vienna, Leesburg, Chantilly, Tyson’s Corner, Ashburn, or nearby.

Ready to speak with a lung specialist?

Visit www.novapulmonary.com or call us today to schedule an appointment.