Why choose Geisinger for lung nodule care?
Hearing that there's a spot on your lung after a chest X-ray or CT scan can be concerning. The good news: These spots are usually small, benign (non-cancerous) lung nodules. But knowing that doesn't always make the waiting easier — and that's where having the right team matters.
Your pulmonologist will assess your nodule, discuss your medical history and determine whether it needs monitoring, testing or treatment. If monitoring is the right approach, your team will track changes over time so nothing gets missed. And if you need treatment, your care team will walk you through every option.
With pulmonologists available in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you won't have to travel far for care. And extended clinic hours and minimal wait times give you scheduling flexibility.
Treatments and services we offer
Related specialties
FAQs
What are lung nodules?
What are the symptoms of lung nodules?
Most lung nodules don't cause symptoms and are often found on a chest X-ray or CT scan done for another reason. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Respiratory infection
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
What causes a lung nodule?
The most common causes of lung nodules are inflamed tissue from an infection or inflammation (called granulomas) or benign lung tumors. Less commonly, lung nodules are caused by lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the lungs.
Other causes include:
- Infections: When your immune system fights an infection, it forms a granuloma. These can be bacterial, fungal or parasitic.
- Inflammation: Conditions like sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause granulomas.
Are lung nodules cancer?
Most lung nodules are not cancerous. But certain factors can raise the likelihood that a nodule is malignant, including:
- Being over 50
- Larger nodules (bigger than 3 centimeters)
- Smoking
- A family history of lung cancer
- Having symptoms of lung cancer
- Nodules that are growing or have irregular borders
- Having multiple nodules
How do you diagnose lung nodules?
To diagnose lung nodules, your doctor will review your medical history, do a physical exam and order a chest X-ray or CT scan. These images show the size, shape, location and other characteristics of the nodule. From there, additional tests may include:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: PET scans help determine whether a nodule is cancerous by providing a more detailed look.
- Biopsy: Doctors remove a small amount of tissue and examine it under a microscope. Usually doctors do lung nodule biopsies through a minimally invasive bronchoscopy.
- Other tests: Your doctor may order blood tests or other diagnostics to rule out conditions like tuberculosis.
How do you treat lung nodules?
Treatment depends on the size of the nodule and your cancer risk. If your nodule is small and your risk is low, your doctor will likely monitor it through a series of X-rays over time. Non-cancerous nodules grow slowly or not at all, while cancerous ones grow quickly. If it hasn't changed over a few years, it can be left alone.
If the nodule is large, cancerous or causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical removal.
Lung nodule care at Geisinger
Here, your pulmonology team manages symptoms through supportive treatment. We offer:
- Knowledge and experience: Your pulmonology team’s years of experience give them the knowledge to diagnose, treat and help you manage your lung condition.
- Personalized care: When you need treatment for lung nodules, our pulmonology team will create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. Whether you need monitoring or treatment, your care team will make sure your team doesn’t miss anything.
- Convenient locations and appointments: With pulmonologists available in Geisinger clinics and hospitals in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you don’t have to travel far to get care. We also offer extended clinic hours and minimal wait times, so you can schedule appointments when it’s convenient for you.