Recently, around Dian brother, there have been people who have detected “lung nodules” one after another.
Anxiety and panic came over me.
Tell me today:
What is a pulmonary nodule? Is its next step cancer?
How do we prevent in our lives?
Want to see:
“How to distinguish the quality of lung nodules” directly to Part2
“How to prevent lung nodules” directly to Part3
Conclusion first: this is a neutral word, neither good nor bad!
Pulmonary nodules are not a disease name, but an imaging manifestation.
In layman’s terms, due to various etiologies, a certain part of the lung has a decrease in air content, an increase in cells, a thickening of the septum, and congestion and edema. This changed part is captured by imaging examinations. , become pulmonary nodules.
Approximate appearance: Diameter ≤3cm, localized, well-defined or blurred, circular or quasi-circular, shadows with increased density.
Pulmonary nodules are a large family with different classification methods, which are classified according to the number, size and density of the nodules.
When the diameter of the local lesion is more than 3 cm, it is a lung mass!
At this point, it’s time to get nervous!
It is relatively more likely to transform into lung cancer[1].
In life, lung nodules appear in these conditions, which are generally benign, such as:
Scarring of repair in the lungs after trauma;
Has or has had a disease such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
In general, in the population, lung nodules are far more likely to be benign than malignant.
However, it is troubling that lung nodules also appear on early imaging studies.
How to distinguish benign nodules from malignant nodules?
Actually, the doctor needs to make a comprehensive evaluation of various examinations.
Risk factors for malignant pulmonary nodules include: older age, smoking, history of malignancy, large nodule diameter, irregular margins, location in the upper lobe, nodules during follow-up Growth, biopsy results suggest suspicious malignancy [1-3].
A condensed version of Dian’s summary, I hope you will remember:
Regular check-ups for high-risk groups are essential
Stay away from tobacco, away from harm
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
Adhere to reasonable exercise and don’t be lazy
Continue to drop down if you want to see the detailed version!
I. Annual CT screening of high-risk groups
Age ≥40 years[1] and have any of the following risk factors are considered high-risk groups:
(1) Smoking or ever smoking ≥ 20 packs/year (or 400 cigarettes/year) and quit smoking for <15 years;
(2) A history of environmental or high-risk occupational exposure (such as asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon, etc.);
(3) Combined with COPD, diffuse pulmonary fibrosisor a history of pulmonary tuberculosis;
(4) Those who have had a malignant tumor or a family history of lung cancer. Factors such as passive smoking, cooking fumes, and air pollution also need to be considered.
Second, protect yourself in life
1. Smoking is one of the most important factors leading to lung cancer. Friends who are still smoking, I hope you can quit,
Don’t be in public places when you can’t help but smoke. Secondhand smoke is also dangerous.
2. Attention should also be paid to the cooking fumes in the home kitchen. Friends who often cook can try to change the cooking method and choose some cooking methods with less oil fumes instead of stir-frying and frying. At the same time, you can choose a range hood with better suction and filterability.
3. When the air pollution is serious, try to avoid traveling, or wear a daily protective mask when traveling.
4. Friends with occupational exposure risks, I hope you must wear protective equipment in accordance with occupational regulations, such as gas masks, respirators, gloves, etc., to protect yourself.
Three, timely and active treatment of chronic lung disease
Friends who suffer from chronic bronchitis, chronic lung inflammation, tuberculosis, lung scarring, pneumoconiosis, etc., listen to the doctor’s advice and insist on treatment.
Fourth, maintain a good attitude and healthy living habits
Studies have shown that fresh vegetables and fruits are protective factors for lung cancer, and reasonable exercise can also reduce the risk of lung cancer [4].
Adjusting the rhythm of life, maintaining a regular work and rest, a balanced diet, avoiding overwork and staying up late, and regular moderate exercise can improve the body’s immunity and help prevent pulmonary nodules from appearing .
Contributing Author: Jiaying Liu
PhD student of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
References
[1] Zhang Xiaoju, Bai Li, Jin Guangguang, Hong Qunying, Hu Jie, Bai Chunxue, Chen Liangan, Li Weimin. Chinese Expert Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules (2018 Edition) [J]. Chinese Tuberculosis and Respiratory Journal, 2018, 41(10):763-771.
[2]Bai C, Choi CM, Chu CM, Anantham D, Chung-Man Ho J, Khan AZ, Lee JM, Li SY, Saenghirunvattana S, Yim A. Evaluation of Pulmonary Nodules : Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines for Asia. Chest. 2016 Oct;150(4):877-893. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2016.02.650. Epub 2016 Feb 27. PMID: 26923625.
[3]MacMahon H, Naidich DP, Goo JM, Lee KS, Leung ANC, Mayo JR, Mehta AC, Ohno Y, Powell CA, Prokop M, Rubin GD, Schaefer-Prokop CM , Travis WD, Van Schil PE, Bankier AA. Guidelines for Management of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules Detected on CT Images: From the Fleischner Society 2017. Radiology. 2017 Jul;284(1):228-243. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2017161659 . Epub 2017 Feb 23. PMID: 28240562.
[4] He Jie, Li Ni, Chen Wanqing, Wu Ning, Shen Hongbing, Jiang Yu, Li Jiang, Wang Fei, Tian Jinhui, China Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment Guidelines Development Advisory Group, China Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment Guidelines Development Expert Group, China Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment Guidelines Development Working Group. Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment in China (2021, Beijing)[J].China Comprehensive Clinic, 2021,37(03):193-207.
Editors: Guo Qian, Zhang Li, Ye Zhengxing
Proofreading: Wu Yihe | Typesetting: Li Yongmin
Operation: Han Ningning | Coordinator: Ye Zhengxing