Pulmonary nodule Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

If left untreated, 2% of patients with pulmonary nodule <8mm and >2% of patients with pulmonary nodule >8mm may progress to develop lung cancer.

Common complications of pulmonary nodule post invasive management include hemorrhage, [[pulmonary embolism], infections (empyema, pneumonia, surgical site), pleural effusions, pneumothorax, myocardial infarction and central neurological event

Prognosis is generally excellent which is dependent primarily on the characteristics of the pulmonary nodule. Pulmonary nodules are most commonly benign and may not necessarily require treatment. Those with multiple risk factors and malignant features on imaging studies have a poorer prognosis.

• The symptoms of pulmonary nodule usually develop in the third decade of life.
• A majority of pulmonary nodules are found incidentally. When symptomatic, patients display non-specific symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, hemoptysis, chronic cough, wheezing, and chest pain.
• If left untreated, 2% of patients with pulmonary nodule <8mm and >2% of patients with pulmonary nodule >8mm may progress to develop lung cancer.^[1][2]

• Common complications of pulmonary nodule post invasive management include:^[3][4]
• Hemorrhage
• Pulmonary embolism
• Infections (empyema, pneumonia, surgical site)
• Pleural effusions
• Pneumothorax
• Myocardial infarction
• Central neurological event

• Prognosis is generally excellent which is dependent primarily on the characteristics of the pulmonary nodule.
• Pulmonary nodules are most commonly benign and may not necessarily require treatment.
• Those with multiple risk factors and malignant features on imaging studies have a poorer prognosis.^[3][5]