Lung Nodules

Pulmonary nodules are small, rounded opacities in the lung—typically less than 3 cm in diameter—that may represent benign lesions, infections, or early-stage lung cancer. These nodules can be identified through dedicated lung cancer screening programs or as incidental findings on CT scans performed for other reasons. While many are benign, a subset may signal the earliest stages of lung cancer, when intervention is most effective. However, incidental nodules are often overlooked or not managed according to guidelines, leading to missed opportunities for early diagnosis. When systematically identified and followed, lung nodules offer a critical window for detecting cancer at a curable stage—improving survival, reducing treatment burden, and preserving quality of life.