Lung Nodule on CT
A small spot on the lung is usually benign — but always needs a plan.
Routine health-check CT scans increasingly turn up small, unexpected lung nodules. Most nodules under 8 mm are benign — but each one needs a structured plan rather than a wait-and-see approach.
We follow international (Fleischner Society) guidelines and offer Radial EBUS for safe sampling of peripheral nodules without open surgery.
Symptoms we look out for
- Usually no symptoms — found incidentally on imaging
- Occasionally a persistent cough, blood in sputum, or weight loss in higher-risk nodules
Diagnostics we offer
Our treatment approach
- Risk stratification by size, density, shape and your smoking history
- Surveillance CT at the right interval (3, 6 or 12 months) for low-risk nodules
- PET-CT and tissue diagnosis for nodules >8 mm or with suspicious features
- Multidisciplinary referral when malignancy is confirmed
Common questions
I was told my nodule is 5 mm and to repeat the CT in a year — is that safe?
Yes. A 5 mm nodule in a low-risk patient has a very low chance of being cancer, and the recommended follow-up is exactly that — a repeat scan to confirm stability.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients do not. Radial EBUS, CT-guided biopsy and PET-CT can answer the question without surgery in the majority of cases.
I have a lung nodule on my CT scan — does it mean cancer?
No. Many lung nodules are benign and can result from previous infections, inflammation, scarring or other causes. The significance of a nodule depends on factors such as its size, appearance, location, growth over time and the person's clinical risk factors.
What should I do if a CT scan shows a lung nodule?
Do not assume that a lung nodule is cancer. A pulmonologist can review the actual CT images, assess the patient's risk factors and determine whether observation, repeat imaging, PET-CT or tissue sampling is appropriate.
When does a lung nodule need a biopsy?
Not every lung nodule requires immediate biopsy. The decision depends on its size, morphology, growth, location and the individual's risk profile. Some nodules can be safely monitored with interval imaging, while others require tissue diagnosis.Bronchoscopy & EBUS explained →
Can a lung nodule disappear on its own?
Some nodules caused by infection or inflammation can decrease or disappear over time. Others remain stable or grow. Follow-up imaging may therefore be recommended depending on the initial findings.
Get a clear plan for your lung nodule on ct
Book a consultation with Dr. Arun Gangadhar at our RS Puram clinic.