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Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing?

Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing?

Do lung nodules cause coughing? Lung nodules rarely present symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the nodule. Therefore, coughing is one of the less common symptoms. In many cases, neither coughing nor other known symptoms are observed. Nodules are often detected during CT scans performed for other purposes. In the rest of this article, you will find a detailed answer to the question, “Does a lung nodule cause coughing?”

What Is a Lung Nodule?

Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing
Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing

Lung nodules are lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter, typically with smooth borders and round or oval shapes. Most of these lesions are benign. Benign nodules do not grow, have well-defined borders, and do not require treatment. Malignant nodules, however, tend to grow and spread to other tissues, necessitating treatment. This treatment usually involves surgically removing the nodule from the body.

The answer to whether a lung nodule causes coughing is often not directly related to whether the lesion is benign or malignant. The location and size of the nodule are important. This is also true for other symptoms. However, malignant nodules tend to grow and spread, and if left untreated, they can form a mass and spread further. In such cases, symptoms begin to appear.

What Causes a Lung Nodule?

Lung nodules can occur due to various reasons. Below are some of the prominent causes and related details:
  • Malignant tumors or lung cancer: These can lead to the formation of nodules. Initially, the size of these abnormal structures is less than 3 cm, but they grow if not treated promptly.
  • Infections: Tuberculosis and pneumonia, among other lung infections, can lead to the formation of lesions.
  • Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis increase the risk of developing lung nodules.
  • Air pollution: Pollution from industrial facilities and power plants is a significant cause of lung nodules and cancer.
  • Congenital anomalies: Developmental anomalies during the prenatal period can result in nodules.
  • Exposure to chemicals: Prolonged exposure to substances like asbestos adversely affects the respiratory system.
  • Benign tumors: These can also cause lung nodules.
  • Smoking: A significant risk factor.

Additionally, age is considered a risk factor. The risk of developing nodules increases with age. Approximately 30% of individuals over 55 with a smoking history have lung nodules, most of which are benign. Only 1.5% are malignant.

Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing?

Does a Lung Nodule Cause Coughing

Lung nodules rarely cause coughing. In most cases, neither coughing nor other symptoms are observed. The small size and location of the nodule are key factors in this rarity.

Nodules are usually not located or sized to directly affect the airways. However, in rare cases, they may be situated near the airways, causing narrowing or irritation. In such cases, coughing may occur. Whether a nodule is benign or malignant is not a definitive factor in determining the occurrence of coughing.

The answer to whether a lung nodule causes coughing is “rarely.” In most cases, no coughing is observed.

Symptoms of Lung Nodules

Lung nodules often do not cause any symptoms. However, depending on their location and size, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • Bloody sputum

These symptoms may also result from other pulmonary conditions. A comprehensive examination and detailed evaluation are essential to determine the cause of these symptoms.

How Are Lung Nodules Diagnosed?

Another point of interest in the context of whether a lung nodule causes coughing is how these lesions are diagnosed. These abnormal structures, which rarely present symptoms, are often discovered incidentally during scans performed for other conditions. The steps involved in diagnosis include:

Steps Description
Medical History Details such as the patient’s age, past lung conditions, smoking history, family history of lung cancer, and current complaints are noted.
Physical Examination The lung sounds are checked for any abnormalities.
X-Ray Based on the complaints and examination findings, a chest X-ray may be requested. However, it is insufficient for detecting very small lesions.
CT Scan CT scans can detect even millimeter-sized nodules. Patients in the risk group or with complaints undergo a chest CT scan.

Once diagnosed using a CT scan, a biopsy is conducted to determine if the nodule is benign or malignant. Depending on its location, the biopsy may involve a needle or another method. Some cases are assessed as low or high risk based on the CT scan alone. For example, nodules larger than 2 cm with irregular borders are considered high risk, while those smaller than 4 mm with smooth borders in patients under 30 are low risk.

How Are Lung Nodules Treated?

Treatment is rarely required for lung nodules. Benign and low-risk nodules are monitored periodically. If the size does not increase and the borders remain unchanged, no treatment is necessary. High-risk and malignant nodules are surgically removed.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, where patients are fully sedated. An incision is made on the side of the chest to access the thoracic cavity. A special camera is inserted through the incision, and the nodule’s location is identified. The nodule is then completely removed using a medical tool called a stapler, placed in a special bag to prevent contact with other tissues, and extracted. The incision is closed afterward.

Post-surgery, patients stay in the hospital for 1-4 days. Potential risks include air leakage from the lungs, bleeding, and infection. These risks can be minimized by choosing experienced thoracic surgery specialists. Prof. Dr. Semih Halezeroğlu has experience in the surgical treatment of nodules. You can contact us for other details about surgical methods and whether lung nodules cause cough.

How Many mm Does a Lung Nodule Require Surgery?

Does a Lung Nodule Cause CoughingOne of the issues that is wondered in the process that starts with the question of whether a nodule in the lung causes cough is when surgery is necessary. First of all, surgery is preferred in cases that are determined to be malignant and are considered high-risk. Whether a nodule is malignant is determined by biopsy. Whether it is high-risk is evaluated based on issues such as its size, irregularity of its edges, the patient’s age, smoking history and the presence of lung cancer in the family.

Size is an important detail in determining whether surgery is necessary. However, it is not sufficient on its own. In some cases, although the nodule is small, surgery is decided due to issues such as irregular borders and a ground-glass appearance. When the comments of those with lung nodules are examined, it is realized that size is important in this process, but it does not mean anything on its own.

FAQs About Lung Nodules

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the subject of whether lung nodules cause cough are listed below.

1 – Do lung nodules cause back pain?

Lung nodules rarely cause symptoms. Back pain may occasionally occur depending on the location and size of the nodule.

2 – Do lung nodules cause coughing?

The answer to this question is “rarely.” In most cases, no symptoms, including coughing, are observed.

3 – What is a subpleural nodule?

Nodules located on the lung’s surface are called subpleural nodules. These are mostly benign and do not require treatment.

4 – I have a 7 mm nodule and am scared. Could it be cancer?

The size of a nodule alone does not determine whether it is malignant. A biopsy is necessary to confirm malignancy.

5 – What does a lung nodule after COVID mean?

Some patients who have recovered from COVID may develop lung nodules. These should be monitored periodically.

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