DETECTING If the nodule is large, or changes during the time you are having CT scans, your LUNG NODULES doctor may suggest having it biopsied Lung nodules show up on an X-ray or removed. or a CT scan. You may have received > A biopsy involves taking a small piece one of these tests because the nodule of lung tissue. A doctor may use a was causing you symptoms or the small camera, ultrasound, or CT-scan nodule may have been detected to locate the nodule. A small needle WHAT IS A when you had an X-ray or a CT scan is then used to remove some of the for a different reason. LUNG NODULE? tissue. The tissue is then sent to the lab for examination. Biopsies are A lung nodule, often called a spot usually not recommended for small IF YOU HAVE A nodules because it is difficult on your lung, is a solid area of tissue to perform the biopsy safely. that has formed in an area where it LUNG NODULE should not be. Most lung nodules are If you have a lung nodule it is very > A large or growing lung nodule can harmless and cause no problems. important you are seen regularly be removed through a surgical However, some lung nodules turn out by a doctor who specializes in care procedure in which a thoracic surgeon to be cancer (fewer than 5 out of 100). for lung nodules. makes a small incision into your chest and cuts out the nodule. It is then sent Nodules that are more than one This is because treatment for a lung to the lab for examination. centimeter (about a half inch) in size nodule often depends upon how are more likely to be cancer. it changes over time. Only the doctor monitoring you will know if the nodule IF YOU HAVE A LUNG NODULE has changed or requires treatment. At the BMC Lung Nodule Clinic, we AND ARE A SMOKER, IT IS VERY specialize in caring for patients like you. IMPORtaNT THAT YOU STOP Typically, when a lung nodule is found, SMOKING. SMOKING INCREASES you will have another CT scan in a few THE RISK FOR LUNG CANCER. months to see if it has changed size. Most lung nodules that are not cancer WE CAN HELP YOU QUIT do not grow. If a small nodule is an early SMOKING BY SCHEDULING AN lung cancer, it usually takes several months to get bigger. So, even if a small APPOINTMENT IN OUR nodule is cancerous, it is very likely that SMOKING CESSATION CLINIC. it will still be small and treatable. THE LUNG NODULE CLINIC UNDERSTANDING at Boston Medical Center A SPOT ON will see you quickly and YOUR LUNGS develop a plan for your lung health while working in consultation with your primary care physician. TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT IN THE LUNG NODULE CLINIC, CALL 617.638.7480 Katrina Steiling, MD MSc Hasmeena Kathuria, MD BMC.ORG BMC.ORG.