Can lung nodules become cancer?
Dear A.W.: You hit on a topic that’s much discussed and that creates many problems. Lung nodules can be cancerous, and they have to be evaluated with care. Each hospital has its own protocol for handling this problem. A large number of considerations must be evaluated when trying to determine if a lung nodule, seen on an X-ray or scan, is likely to be a cancer. The nodule’s size is an important factor. Nodules measuring 3 mm in diameter (.12 inch) are not likely cancers. Nodules that are 2 cm, (0.8 inches) have a 64 percent chance of being cancer. Another consideration in evaluation is the nodule’s border. Cancerous nodules have irregular, spiky borders. If you have had a previous chest X-ray, then comparing the present size of the nodule with its past size provides invaluable information. A nodule that hasn’t changed size in two years is less of a threat. The smoking history of the patient is another point that’s pertinent in judging the risk of a nodule. Some nodules can be interpret
