What causes lung spots?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 45 seconds

Hearing the term “lung spot” or its medical name, “pulmonary nodule,” from a doctor about ourselves or a loved one can be worrying. These spots are often harmless nodules that can sometimes disappear on their own. However, they can also be dangerous in some cases.

So, what exactly is a lung nodule, how does it form, and when does it pose a risk? In this article, we answer the questions our patients ask most frequently about lung spots. If you are curious about what pulmonary nodules are, how they are detected, and the treatment and follow-up processes, please continue reading.

What is a pulmonary nodule?

A lung nodule is commonly known as a spot on the lung and is scientifically referred to as a pulmonary nodule. Lung nodules, which can appear as one or more spots, can form for various reasons. These spots are formations smaller than 3 centimeters and can appear in both lobes of the lung.

Small nodules that do not exhibit any symptoms are often detected during scans, such as CT scans or chest X-rays, performed for various reasons.

Receiving a diagnosis of lung nodules can be quite concerning for many patients. However, it is important to note that the majority of these nodules are generally benign, treatable formations not associated with cancer. If such a formation is detected, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist without delay and initiate treatment.

What causes lung spots?

The answer to the question “What causes spots on the lungs?” can include a wide range of factors, from infection to air pollution, smoking, and various tumors. These lung spots, referred to as nodules or lesions, are generally associated with benign causes. The causes of lung nodules can be listed in more detail as follows:

• Infections: Previous infections, such as healed tuberculosis or fungal infections, can leave small scars or nodules in the lung tissue. These spots are called granulomas.
• Inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis can cause inflammatory nodules to form in the lungs.
• Benign tumors: Non-cancerous growths, such as hamartomas, may appear as nodules during imaging.
• Malignant: Although less common, lung nodules can be an early sign of lung cancer, especially in people who smoke or have smoked in the past.

The results will vary depending on the causes of the nodule formation. For this reason, after examining the spots on the lungs with imaging systems, doctors usually perform further tests to determine the underlying cause of these spots.

Are pulmonary nodules cancerous?

Lung nodules, especially those smaller than 2 centimeters, are generally not cancerous. Scientific research indicates that more than 90% of these types of nodules are benign. However, it is essential to be certain that the nodule in the lung is not cancerous. For definitive answers, chest disease specialists may request further tests.

Further tests are particularly important for older people, smokers or former smokers, people who have been exposed to certain chemicals such as asbestos, and people with larger or irregularly shaped nodules in their lungs on imaging. Since these individuals have a higher risk of developing cancer, it is important to be certain that the spots are not cancerous. When a doctor detects a lung nodule, they evaluate these risk factors along with imaging findings to determine the likelihood of cancer and decide on the next steps for diagnosis or follow-up.

How are spots on the lungs diagnosed?

These spots usually appear without any specific symptoms, so they are often discovered by chance. However, once doctors diagnose the presence of a nodule in the lung, they follow various steps to determine the cause of its formation.

The first step in confirming the diagnosis is usually a review of the person’s medical history, an assessment of risk factors, and a detailed examination of their symptoms. Diagnostic methods include:

• Imaging tests: CT scans provide detailed images of the lungs and help assess the size, shape, edges, and density of the nodule, which can provide clues about whether it is benign or malignant.
• PET scan: This test can determine whether the nodule is metabolically active, which may indicate cancer.
• Biopsy: If imaging suggests a possibility of cancer, a tissue sample may be taken for microscopic examination via needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or surgery.
• Follow-up scans: In most cases, especially if the nodule appears benign, doctors may recommend follow-up scans over time to check for any changes in the nodule’s size or appearance.

How are pulmonary nodules treated?

Treatment planning for lung spots is primarily based on the cause of the spots and their characteristics. Most lung nodules do not require any treatment.

The general approach of pulmonologists to lung nodules can be categorized as follows:

• Monitoring: If the nodule is small and shows benign characteristics, doctors usually recommend regular CT scans over months or years to check for growth or changes.
• Medication: If the nodule is caused by infection or inflammation, appropriate medications such as antibiotics or antifungal drugs may be prescribed.
• Surgical removal: If there is a high suspicion of cancer or if the nodule shows a tendency to grow over time, surgical removal of the nodules may be recommended to make a definitive diagnosis and treat any possible cancer early.

Your doctor will follow all these steps and take into account your situation and medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment or follow-up plan for you.

Do pulmonary nodules go away on their own?

Yes, lung nodules associated with inflammation or infection can go away on their own. Spots that form after inflammation and infection that occurred recently tend to go away on their own after these factors are eliminated.

Some nodules do not go away on their own. Examples of these include scars and old granulomas. Even if these spots do not go away, they can usually remain in the lungs without causing any health problems. However, to be on the safe side, it is important to have them checked at intervals recommended by your doctor to make sure that they do not undergo any worrying changes.