What does it mean to have multiple pulmonary nodules?

What does it mean to have multiple pulmonary nodules?

Multiple nodules in the lungs or multiple pulmonary nodules (MPN) refer to two or more lesions in the lungs. The most common cause of MPN is metastatic cancer or cancer spread from other parts to the lungs. Causes of MPN can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).

What can cause multiple pulmonary nodules?

Multiple pulmonary nodules and masses may result from infection (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infection, septic embolism), neoplasms (e.g., metastases, lymphoma), inflammatory processes (Wegener granulomatosis, rheumatoid nodules), or trauma (multiple pulmonary hematomas) or may be congenital (arteriovenous malformations …

Does multiple lung nodules mean cancer?

You can have a solitary nodule of lung or multiple nodules. Multiple nodules do not mean that you are at more risk of lung cancer; what matters are the shape, size and location of these nodules. If a calcium deposit is found in a nodule, it may mean that is has been there for awhile.

Can multiple pulmonary nodules be benign?

A Word From Verywell. No matter your medical history, being told that you have multiple lung nodules can be frightening. But keep in mind that many MPNs are benign, and some may not even require treatment of any sort. Even if your nodules are cancerous, there are almost always treatment options available.

Can multiple lung nodules cause shortness of breath?

A cancerous nodule is a lesion or “sore” that steadily engulfs more and more of the structures of the lung. Over time the patient will experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

Is it common to have nodules in both lungs?

A lung (pulmonary) nodule is an abnormal growth that forms in a lung. You may have one nodule on the lung or several nodules. Nodules may develop in one lung or both. Most lung nodules are benign (not cancerous).

What percentage of multiple lung nodules are cancerous?

About 40 percent of pulmonary nodules turn out to be cancerous. Half of all patients treated for a cancerous pulmonary nodule live at least five years past the diagnosis. But if the nodule is one centimeter across or smaller, survival after five years rises to 80 percent. That’s why early detection is critical.

Can pneumonia cause multiple lung nodules?

Many things can produce a lung nodule: an enlarged lymph node, an old pneumonia or infection, phlegm impacted in a tiny airway or many other causes. Unfortunately, cancers can also produce and appear as lung nodules.