Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lung Nodules?
A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, usually evaluates lung nodules. A radiologist, a doctor who reads x-rays and scans, finds them on images. A thoracic surgeon, a chest surgeon, may remove one if needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are lung nodules?
A lung nodule, also called a pulmonary nodule, is a small growth in the lung. Lung nodules are common. They are found in up to half of adults who have chest x-rays or CT scans.
Small lung nodules are typically benign, which means not cancer. Some, however, may be early-stage lung cancer. You may have a single lung nodule or several.
Symptoms
Most lung nodules do not cause any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Coughing.
- Coughing up blood.
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing.
- A respiratory infection.
Causes and who gets it
Lung nodules are frequently caused by infection, scars, or lymph nodes, among other benign processes. Infectious granulomas, which form as a reaction to a past infection, cause most benign nodules.
Primary lung cancer is the most common cause of cancerous nodules. Sometimes a nodule is caused by lung cancer or by the spread of cancer from another part of the body.
In most cases a small lung nodule does not mean cancer. Certain risk factors can raise the chance that a nodule is cancer. These include:
- Being over the age of 50.
- Smoking.
- A family history of lung cancer.
- Having symptoms of lung cancer.
- Nodule size, growth, and shape.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors most often find lung nodules on a chest x-ray or CT scan done for another reason. A chest CT, a detailed set of pictures, can help your doctor see the size, shape, and location of the nodule.
Your doctor may suggest follow-up scans to monitor the nodule, using guidelines from the Fleischner Society, an international group of chest experts. Repeat chest x-rays or CT scans are the most common way to monitor a nodule.
Your doctor may order more tests, such as blood tests, a PET/CT scan, or a needle biopsy of the lung. These help rule out other conditions such as tuberculosis or cancer.
Treatment
Treatment decisions depend on the size and appearance of the nodule, along with your cancer risk and your current health status. If a nodule has not grown or changed over a few years, it usually can be left alone.
Actions may range from watchful monitoring with repeat CT scans to surgery. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the nodule if it is large, cancerous, or causing symptoms.
Ask your doctor about the risks of a biopsy versus watching the nodule with regular scans. Follow your doctor's instructions about follow-up scans.
When to see a doctor
Most lung nodules do not cause symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a respiratory infection. Your doctor may do a physical exam or order more imaging.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or you cough up blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your scan results, arrange follow-up imaging, and refer you to a lung specialist when needed.
Common questions
Are lung nodules cancer?
Usually not. Small lung nodules are typically benign, which means not cancer. Some, however, may be early-stage lung cancer.
Are lung nodules common?
Yes. They are found in up to half of adults who have chest x-rays or CT scans.
Do lung nodules cause symptoms?
Usually not. Most lung nodules do not cause any symptoms.
Does a lung nodule need a biopsy?
Not always. Your provider may recommend a biopsy of the nodule to check for cancer. This may be advised if you smoke or have other symptoms of lung cancer. It may also be advised if the nodule has grown or changed compared with earlier images.
What happens if a lung nodule does not grow?
If repeat x-rays show the nodule size has not changed in 2 years, it is most likely benign and a biopsy is not needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
