What department should I go to if a 10mm pulmonary nodule is found during a physical examination

A 10mm pulmonary nodule was found during a physical examination, and it is recommended to seek medical attention from a respiratory or thoracic surgeon. Pulmonary nodules may be related to factors such as infection, inflammation, tuberculosis, and tumors, and further evaluation is needed based on imaging features and clinical manifestations.

1. Respiratory Medicine

Respiratory medicine is the first diagnosis department for lung diseases, and doctors will evaluate the nature of nodules through chest CT, tumor markers, and other examinations. If the nodule edge is smooth and calcified significantly, benign lesions such as pulmonary pseudotumor and tuberculous nodules are often considered, and regular follow-up can be conducted. If there are malignant signs such as spiculation and lobulation, bronchoscopy or percutaneous lung biopsy should be used to confirm the diagnosis. For suspected infectious nodules, it may be necessary to complete sputum culture, tuberculin test and other examinations.

2. Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery mainly deals with pulmonary nodules that require surgical intervention. When the nodule diameter exceeds 8mm and has malignant risk characteristics, thoracoscopic minimally invasive surgery may be required for resection. Preoperative PET-CT will be used to assess systemic metastasis, and intraoperative pathology will be used to quickly determine the nature. For patients with multiple nodules or concomitant mediastinal lymphadenopathy, thoracic surgery will collaborate with oncology to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. After discovering pulmonary nodules, smoking and exposure to dust should be avoided, and low-dose CT monitoring changes should be rechecked every 3-6 months. If there is hemoptysis, chest pain, or enlarged nodules, it is necessary to return to the hospital for examination in a timely manner. Daily consumption of lung moistening ingredients such as lilies and Tremella fuciformis is appropriate, but it cannot replace formal medical intervention.