What is a Pulmonary Nodule

Pulmonary nodule is tissue that has grown on your lung. A nodule may be cancer, but most nodules are not cancer.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have trouble breathing when doing activities.
• You feel sick.
• You feel more tired than normal.
• You do not feel like eating.
• You lose weight without trying.
• You have chills.
• You have night sweats.

Get help right away if:

• You cannot catch your breath.
• You start making whistling sounds when breathing (wheezing).
• You cannot stop coughing.
• You cough up blood.
• You get dizzy.
• You feel like you are going to pass out (faint).
• You have sudden chest pain.
• You have a fever or symptoms for more than 2–3 days.
• You have a fever and your symptoms suddenly get worse.

Summary

• A pulmonary nodule is tissue that has grown on your lung.
• Most nodules are not cancer.
• Your doctor will do tests to know what kind of nodule you have, and whether you need treatment for it.