What Are Benign Lung Nodules and Benign Lung Tumors?
A nodule is a “spot on the lung,” seen on an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. In fact, a nodule shows up on about one in every 500 chest X-rays. Normal lung tissue surrounds this small round or oval solid overgrowth of tissue. It may be a single or solitary pulmonary nodule. Or, you may have multiple nodules. Your lung nodule is more likely to be benign if: • You are younger than 40. • You are a nonsmoker. • There is calcium in the nodule. • The nodule is small. A benign lung tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that serves no purpose and is found not to be cancerous. Benign lung tumors may grow from many different structures in the lung. Determining whether a nodule is a benign tumor or an early stage of cancer is very important. That’s because early detection and treatment of lung cancer can greatly enhance your survival.
