What is the reason for the discovery of pulmonary nodules in five out of ten physical examinations

The high detection rate of pulmonary nodules may be caused by environmental pollution, occupational exposure, lung infections, benign tumors, early lung cancer, and other reasons. Intervention can be carried out through regular follow-up, anti infective treatment, surgical resection, and other methods. Pulmonary nodules usually refer to circular shadows in the lungs with a diameter of less than 30 millimeters in imaging examinations, most of which are benign lesions.

1. Environmental Pollution

Long term exposure to air pollutants such as haze and industrial waste gas may lead to abnormal growth of lung tissue. This type of nodule often presents as ground glass like changes with blurred edges. It is usually recommended to undergo low-dose CT re examination every 6-12 months. For nodules without malignant features, no special treatment is required, but wearing masks for outdoor activities should be reduced.

II. Occupational exposure

Exposure to occupational hazards such as asbestos and dust can easily induce granulomatous lesions in the lungs. This type of nodule is often accompanied by cough and chest pain symptoms. Follow the doctor's advice to use expectorant drugs such as acetylcysteine effervescent tablets and ambroxol oral solution. If necessary, change jobs. High risk occupations such as construction workers and miners should undergo annual occupational disease screening.

III. Pulmonary infection

Infection with pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Cryptococcus can form inflammatory pseudotumors. Patients may experience accompanying symptoms such as low-grade fever and night sweats, and require sputum culture examination. After diagnosis, combination therapy with anti tuberculosis drugs such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and pyrazinamide tablets can be used for 6-9 months, during which liver function should be monitored.

Fourth, benign tumors

Pulmonary hamartoma, sclerosing hemangioma and other benign lesions account for about 20% of lung nodules. CT shows calcified lesions or fat density shadows, with slow growth rate. Nodules with a diameter exceeding 10 millimeters may be considered for wedge resection under thoracoscopy, and severe coughing should be avoided during the postoperative recovery period to prevent bleeding.

5. Early lung cancer

About 5% of lung nodules are malignant lesions, often characterized by lobulation, spiculation, and other features. When grinding glass nodules with solid components, PET-CT examination is required. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be treated with thoracoscopic segmentectomy, and postoperative targeted drugs such as gefitinib tablets and crizotinib capsules can be selected for adjuvant therapy according to the pathological type. After discovering pulmonary nodules, smoking should be quit and exposure to secondhand smoke should be avoided, while maintaining indoor air circulation. Moderate consumption of vegetables rich in vitamin A, such as broccoli and carrots, can help with lung repair, but caution should be taken that health supplements such as Ganoderma spore powder may exacerbate nodule growth. It is recommended to have a chest CT scan every 3-6 months to dynamically observe changes in nodules. If warning symptoms such as coughing up blood and persistent chest pain occur, immediate medical attention should be sought. Long term smokers aged 40 and above should undergo low-dose CT lung cancer screening annually.