Physical examination revealed nodules in the lungs

Physical examination reveals that pulmonary nodules are usually benign lesions, which may be related to factors such as inflammation, tuberculosis, and dust irritation. In rare cases, early lung cancer should be monitored. The main treatment methods for pulmonary nodules include regular follow-up examinations, dynamic observation of chest CT, clarification of the nature through biopsy, surgical resection, and traditional Chinese medicine intervention.

1. Regular Follow up Review

For small nodules with a diameter less than 5 millimeters, it is usually recommended to have a low-dose CT scan every 6-12 months. If there is no increasing trend during the follow-up period, the follow-up interval can be extended. These nodules are mostly old lesions or benign granulomas. When re examining, it is necessary to choose the same hospital to ensure the accuracy of image comparison.

2. Dynamic observation of chest CT

5-8mm nodules require monitoring of growth rate through thin-layer CT, and malignant nodules often double in volume within 3-6 months. CT examination can evaluate the edge features of nodules, and caution should be exercised for manifestations such as lobulation and spiculation. During dynamic observation, excessive anxiety should be avoided and the examination plan should be executed according to medical advice.

3. For solid nodules with continuous enlargement or diameter exceeding 8 millimeters, percutaneous lung biopsy can be performed under CT guidance. This examination can obtain tissue specimens for pathological diagnosis, accurately distinguishing types such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Complications such as pneumothorax may occur after puncture, and bed rest observation is required for 24 hours.

4. Surgical resection treatment

For nodules highly suspected of malignancy, thoracoscopic minimally invasive surgery can be used for resection. Common surgical procedures include wedge resection of the lung and segmental resection of the lung. Patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer through postoperative pathology have a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. Surgical indications require a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as nodule morphology and patient lung function.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation Intervention

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that lung nodules are often related to phlegm and blood stasis, and can be treated with blood activating and stasis removing drugs such as Danshen tablets or heat clearing and detoxifying drugs such as Golden Buckwheat Capsules based on syndrome differentiation. Combined with moxibustion at acupoints such as Feishu and Zusanli, it can help improve microcirculation in the lungs. It should be noted that traditional Chinese medicine treatment cannot replace Western medicine follow-up monitoring. After discovering pulmonary nodules, smoking should be quit and exposure to secondhand smoke should be avoided to reduce kitchen fume inhalation. Occupational exposure to dust should be strengthened. Maintain moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, etc. to enhance lung function, and pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and vitamin A in diet, such as eggs, carrots, etc. If symptoms such as worsening cough and bloody sputum appear, seek medical attention immediately. It is not recommended to take antibiotics or cough suppressants on your own. It is recommended to choose respiratory or thoracic surgery specialists for long-term management to avoid excessive medical intervention.