Lung Nodules

What Are Lung Nodules?

A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue in the lung that usually does not cause symptoms. Most lung nodules are benign (noncancerous), but some can be cancerous.

Benign lung nodules are typically caused by:

• Inflammation
• Infections
• Scar tissue from a previous infection

Lung Nodule Diagnosis

Since lung nodules do not cause symptoms, they are usually diagnosed during a routine imaging scan of the chest, such as an X-ray or CT scan. A lung nodule shows up as a spot on the image.

Lung Nodule Follow Up Plans

Once the lung nodule is spotted, our experts set up a follow-up plan based on the size and appearance of the nodule.

Nodules that are less than 6 mm in size have a lower chance of becoming cancerous. Therefore, for smaller nodules of less than 6 mm, your personalized follow up plan may include:

• CT scans every three to 12 months after diagnosis to check the nodule(s)
• Follow-up appointments

For larger nodules over 1 cm or nodules with a concerning shape, your personalized follow up plan may include:

• Immediate biopsy and evaluation
• More frequent follow-up CT scans and appointments

Lung Nodule Biopsies

If your lung nodule is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy (taking a sample of tissue to be analyzed in the lab) should be performed to confirm diagnosis.

We are one of a few centers to have multiple biopsies available, allowing our experts to create a personalized plan for every patient. Having access to the most advanced technology allows us to obtain a diagnosis faster, more accurately and with a less invasive technique.

We offer the following types of advanced biopsy techniques:

• Bronchoscopy biopsy with ultrasound (enter the lungs with a thin tube called a bronchoscope with ultrasound guidance)
• Percutaneous (under the skin) needle biopsy using a CT scan for guidance
• Robotic technology, which allows us to reach further into the lung using navigation technology (like GPS), so we can biopsy more accurately with less risk of a collapsed lung or other complications

If your lung nodule is found to be cancerous, rest assured that we are experts in minimally invasive and robotic assisted lung surgery, providing a safer and less invasive technique to remove cancerous lung nodules.

First to Use Robotic Platforms

The Orlando Health Cancer Institute is a pioneer in robotic bronchoscopy — being among the first and few programs in the country to offer robotic technology for diagnosing cancerous lung nodules.

During this procedure, one of our surgeons controls the robotic arm, which uses a CT scan for guidance in navigating to the nodule(s) and taking a sample of tissue to be analyzed in the lab.

This robotic technology offers many advantages over traditional needle biopsies, including:

• Our experts can complete biopsies on difficult to reach nodules.
• Biopsies can be completed without any injury to the lungs.
• Safer because there is a lower risk of causing a deflated or collapsed lung.
• Faster and more accurate diagnosis.
• Faster recovery time.

Benign lung nodules typically do not require treatment. If your lung nodule is found to be cancerous, we will work with you to design a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Your treatment options may include:

• Robotic-assisted surgery. Our surgeons use the DaVinci robotic technology to safely remove the cancerous nodule or section of the lung without the need for open surgery. More than 95% of lung surgeries performed at Orlando Health are successfully performed robotically with less pain and a faster recovery.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This targeted radiation therapy delivers precise, focused radiation to the cancerous tumor without damaging surrounding tissue.

Pioneers in Robotic-Assisted Surgery

At the Rod Taylor Thoracic Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, we pioneered the use of robotic-assisted surgery in 2007. Today, we continue to use this cutting-edge technology as part of your treatment plan, when possible.

During the two-hour surgery, your surgeon creates five small incisions on the side of the chest between the ribs. Your surgeon will insert the instruments and small video camera through the incisions. Then, they will remove the nodule and any other parts of the lung affected by the cancer, such as a segment or lobe. The precise instruments minimize pain and any bleeding.

This type of surgery results in less blood loss than traditional open surgery — typically only losing a teaspoon of blood. After the robotic-assisted surgery with video, you will be able to walk the same day and leave the hospital in one to two days.

The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery with video include:

• Less bleeding
• Less pain
• Lower risk
• Faster recovery and healing time
• Better breathing capacity

Lung Cancer Screening

In some cases, lung nodules may be a sign of lung cancer. At the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, we offer lung cancer screenings for high-risk patients. After filling out a questionnaire, we can determine your risk and schedule a CT scan once a year to screen you for lung cancer.