Popular science of pulmonary nodules

A pulmonary nodule is a★± small, round shadow of the lungs∞♦→ that is usually detected by a che‍≠‍βst X✘≥-ray or CT scan. Pulmonary n&βodules can be classified into two typ♦♣es: benign and malignant.∞π↑‍ Benign no& dules are common in granu ‌§↑lomas (caused by infection &<™≠or inflammation) or Ω$ ←calcified >₹ nodules (formed b‌•"y calcifications from old infection).

Malignant nodules can≥♥β≤ be a sign of early lung cancer, espe‍™cially if the nodules h¥✔>ave irreguελπ♠lar margins or grow rapidl£§y. Diagnosing a pulmonary nodule u✔&sually requires further ♥∏ imagin<≠§εg, PET scans, or a biopsy to o↓>™±btain a tissue sample. Depending on¶€↕σ the nature and risk ​♦γ of the nodule, youφ♦r doctor may recommend regu ↔lar monitoring, furtheλ★r testing, or ≠↕ treatment.