{"id":1117,"date":"2025-12-08T14:33:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T12:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/?page_id=1117"},"modified":"2026-03-06T12:06:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:06:48","slug":"lung-nodule","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/","title":{"rendered":"Lung Nodule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_277141237\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n  <div id=\"page-header-716471868\" class=\"page-header-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"page-title dark simple-title\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"page-title-inner container align-center text-center flex-row-col medium-flex-wrap\" >\n              <div class=\"title-wrapper is-larger flex-col\">\n          <h1 class=\"entry-title mb-0\">\n            Lung Nodule          <\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"title-content flex-col\">\n        <div class=\"title-breadcrumbs pb-half pt-half\"><\/div>      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n       <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_277141237 {\n  padding-top: 15px;\n  padding-bottom: 15px;\n  background-color: #3c338e;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1541791751\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1751773613\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1589528998\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules are small and usually round lesions located within the lung tissue. They are often detected incidentally and are generally benign. However, some nodules may carry a risk of malignancy, so detailed examination is required.<\/p>\n<p>The question of why lung nodules occur is a topic patients frequently ask about. These nodules may develop due to various causes such as infections, old tuberculosis scars, inflammatory diseases, or cancer. Their size, edge structure, and tendency to grow are decisive in the diagnostic process.<\/p>\n<p>The diagnostic process for lung nodules begins with low-dose computed tomography (CT). The size, density, and shape of the nodule are carefully analyzed. PET scanning or biopsy may be performed when necessary. These stages are important for evaluating the risk of malignancy.<\/p>\n<p>The question of how lung nodules are followed is also important. Imaging is performed at certain intervals according to the character of the nodule. Stable nodules are generally considered benign, while those showing change may require further examination. Follow-up protocols are determined according to international guidelines.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Things You Need to Know<\/td>\n<td>Information<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Definition<\/td>\n<td>Lung nodules are small, round or oval-shaped abnormal lesions seen in the lung tissue. They are generally less than 3 cm in diameter.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Size Classification<\/td>\n<td>&lt;5 mm: Usually benign.5-10 mm: Close follow-up is required.&gt;10 mm: The risk of malignancy increases, further investigation is required.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Frequency of Occurrence<\/td>\n<td>They may be seen in up to 30% of patients in CT scans; most are benign and do not cause symptoms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Causes<\/td>\n<td>Benign:- Old infections (tuberculosis, fungi)- Granulomas- HamartomasMalignant:- Lung cancer- Metastases- Lymphoma<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Symptoms<\/td>\n<td>They are mostly asymptomatic. Rarely:- Cough- Coughing up blood- Chest pain- Shortness of breath<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diagnostic Methods<\/td>\n<td>&#8211; Low-dose Thoracic CT- PET-CT (in suspicious nodules)- Biopsy (needle aspiration, bronchoscopy)- Comparison with old films<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Factors<\/td>\n<td>&#8211; Smoking- Being over 40 years of age- History of malignancy- Exposure to substances such as asbestos, radon, silica<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow-up Protocols<\/td>\n<td>According to the Fleischner Guideline, follow-up intervals are determined depending on the size of the nodule and risk factors (may vary between 3-24 months).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Treatment Options<\/td>\n<td>&#8211; Follow-up (benign or low-risk nodules)- Surgical removal (high-risk or malignant nodules)- Radiofrequency ablation (in some cases)- Chemotherapy \/ radiotherapy (in malignant nodules)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Differential Diagnoses<\/td>\n<td>&#8211; Lymph nodes- Vessel sections- Foreign bodies- Infectious lesions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Prognosis<\/td>\n<td>Complete recovery is possible in benign nodules. In malignant nodules diagnosed early, the chance of cure with surgery is high.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1589528998 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1541791751 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1412549667\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1731901068\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1309433503\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\" style=\"background-color:#3c338e;\" >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-971908236\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-66702378\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner dark\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_962581301\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel.webp 525w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hakkimdagorsel-271x400.webp 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_962581301 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-66702378 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1265135462\" class=\"col medium-8 small-12 large-8\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner dark\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-1076868813\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<div>Prof. Dr. <strong>Alper F\u0131nd\u0131k\u00e7\u0131o\u011flu<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-1076868813 {\n  font-size: 2rem;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-1076868813 {\n    font-size: 2.25rem;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"gap-1391735511\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-1391735511 {\n  padding-top: 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<p>I was born in Istanbul in 1973. I completed my primary education at Erzincan \u0130n\u00f6n\u00fc Primary School and my secondary and high school education at Erzurum Anatolian High School. I completed my university education at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine between 1992\u20131998. Afterwards, I completed my specialization between 1998\u20132003 at the Istanbul Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic. I worked as a specialist at the same hospital for 1 year.<\/p>\n<p>Between 2004\u20132005, I fulfilled my military service at G\u00fclhane Military Medical Academy. In 2005, I started working as a lecturer at Ba\u015fkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery. I became an associate professor in 2014 and a professor in 2022.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I started working at Ac\u0131badem Hospital in 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\"\/en\/about-me\/\" class=\"button white is-outline\" style=\"border-radius:99px;\">\n\t\t<span>About Me<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" class=\"button success\" style=\"border-radius:99px;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t<span>WhatsApp<\/span>\n\t<i class=\"icon-whatsapp\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1265135462 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1309433503 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 30px 20px 0px 20px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-1309433503 > .col-inner {\n    padding: 30px 30px 0px 30px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1412549667 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_714433620\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-49334057\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1548819789\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#What_Is_a_Lung_Nodule\" >What Is a Lung Nodule?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Which_Conditions_and_Factors_Create_Risk_for_a_Lung_Nodule\" >Which Conditions and Factors Create Risk for a Lung Nodule?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Why_Do_We_Follow_Small_Nodules_Instead_of_Operating_Immediately\" >Why Do We Follow Small Nodules Instead of Operating Immediately?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#How_Reliable_Is_PETCT_in_Making_a_Diagnosis\" >How Reliable Is PET\/CT in Making a Diagnosis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Is_Needle_Biopsy_or_Surgical_Diagnosis_a_More_Accurate_Choice\" >Is Needle Biopsy or Surgical Diagnosis a More Accurate Choice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Is_It_Possible_for_Cancers_of_Other_Organs_to_Appear_as_a_Lung_Nodule\" >Is It Possible for Cancers of Other Organs to Appear as a Lung Nodule?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Which_Tests_Are_Performed_Before_Surgery_and_Why_Are_They_Important\" >Which Tests Are Performed Before Surgery and Why Are They Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#What_Kind_of_Comfort_Do_Closed_Methods_VATSRATS_Provide_to_the_Patient\" >What Kind of Comfort Do Closed Methods (VATS\/RATS) Provide to the Patient?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#How_Do_We_Find_Very_Small_and_Deep_Nodules_During_Surgery\" >How Do We Find Very Small and Deep Nodules During Surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#What_Awaits_Patients_in_the_Postoperative_Process\" >What Awaits Patients in the Postoperative Process?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#What_Awaits_Us_in_the_Future_in_the_Management_of_Lung_Nodules\" >What Awaits Us in the Future in the Management of Lung Nodules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Lung_Nodule\"><\/span>What Is a Lung Nodule?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A Lung Nodule is an abnormal tissue density within the lung tissue, usually less than 3 centimeters in diameter, round or oval in shape. Most nodules are benign and are caused by infection, scar tissue, or inflammation; however, some may be a sign of early-stage lung cancer. They are usually detected incidentally. Evaluation is made according to the size, shape, and growth rate of the nodule, and advanced imaging or biopsy is planned when necessary.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Conditions_and_Factors_Create_Risk_for_a_Lung_Nodule\"><\/span>Which Conditions and Factors Create Risk for a Lung Nodule?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Distinguishing whether a nodule we encounter is an innocent mark or a potential danger is like a detective process for us. In this process, just looking at the scans is not enough; our patient\u2019s story, lifestyle, and environmental exposures play the leading role in drawing the risk map. When calculating the probability of a nodule becoming cancerous, there are some basic determinants that cause us to include the patient in the &#8220;High-Risk&#8221; group. We evaluate these factors and determine our route of follow-up or treatment.<\/p>\n<p>The main risk factors we pay attention to in the patient\u2019s medical history and habits are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Active smoking<\/li>\n<li>Having smoked in the past<\/li>\n<li>Being 65 years of age or older<\/li>\n<li>Having a family history of cancer<\/li>\n<li>Having previously received radiotherapy to the chest region<\/li>\n<li>Asbestos exposure<\/li>\n<li>Radon gas exposure<\/li>\n<li>Exposure to secondhand smoke<\/li>\n<li>History of chronic lung diseases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The presence of any of these items makes our approach to the nodule more cautious. However, not only the patient\u2019s characteristics but also the character of the nodule determines the risk. For example, irregular margins of the nodule or having a more faint appearance that we call &#8220;ground glass&#8221; is a warning sign for us. On the other hand, if we see fat tissue within the nodule or popcorn-like calcifications, we can take a deep breath; because these findings generally indicate benign structures we call hamartomas.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_We_Follow_Small_Nodules_Instead_of_Operating_Immediately\"><\/span>Why Do We Follow Small Nodules Instead of Operating Immediately?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we tell a patient, &#8220;There is a nodule in your lung, but we will not touch it for now, we will just follow it,&#8221; the first question that understandably forms in the patient\u2019s mind is, &#8220;Why are we waiting?&#8221; By human psychology, it is difficult to know that there is a foreign structure in the body and to live with it. However, there are very valid and scientific reasons for waiting in our medical approach. As the sensitivity of tomography devices increases, we can now see nodules smaller than 5 millimeters, even as small as the head of a pin. A large portion of such small structures are benign, and unnecessary surgery may cause more harm than benefit to the patient.<\/p>\n<p>Our basic logic in the follow-up process is to observe the nodule\u2019s behavior over time. Malignant formations generally tend to grow or change shape at a certain rate. Benign nodules, on the other hand, remain at the same size and form for years. Especially in a low-risk patient, a nodule that is 5 millimeters or smaller often does not even require follow-up. However, in the high-risk group and in slightly larger nodules (6-8 mm), we usually apply a follow-up protocol spread over 2 years.<\/p>\n<p>If there is no change in the nodule at the end of two years, we conclude that it is benign and terminate the follow-up. Solving the character of the nodule during this period does not reduce our treatment success, even if it is a possible slow-growing cancer type; on the contrary, it allows us to make the right intervention at the right time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Reliable_Is_PETCT_in_Making_a_Diagnosis\"><\/span>How Reliable Is PET\/CT in Making a Diagnosis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In nodules that we find radiologically suspicious and that are above a certain size, our next step is usually the PET\/CT examination, which measures metabolic activity. This method shows how much the radioactive sugar molecule given to the body is used by tissues. Since cancer cells multiply rapidly, they need much more energy, that is, sugar, than normal cells and appear brightly on the image.<\/p>\n<p>A nodule showing 2.5 times more activity than normal tissue is an alarm bell for us and strengthens the possibility of it being malignant. This information may lead us out of the waiting process and direct us straight to a biopsy or surgical decision. However, PET\/CT does not offer miraculous certainty; there are margins of error. What we call &#8220;false negativity&#8221; in medicine is encountered especially in nodules smaller than 1 centimeter or in some cancer types with slow metabolism. In other words, even if the nodule is cancerous, it may not appear bright on the PET scan because it does not consume enough sugar.<\/p>\n<p>The opposite situation is also possible; &#8220;false positivity.&#8221; Active infections, tuberculosis (TB), or some inflammatory conditions may also show high uptake on PET imaging just like cancer. Therefore, we evaluate the PET result not as a verdict on its own but as an important part of the puzzle. In addition, one of the greatest contributions of PET\/CT is showing us whether the disease is limited only to that nodule in the lung or whether it has spread to another part of the body.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1548819789 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_714433620 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_160123494\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-995754831\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1188973807\" class=\"col iletisim-sayfas\u0131-col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(218, 61, 96);border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-281630177\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-550555768\" class=\"col medium-11 small-7 large-11\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-2774220012\" class=\"text hide-for-medium\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><br \/>To get information about treatments, simply click the button next to it. Our professional team will contact you immediately.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\t<div id=\"text-1698665390\" class=\"text show-for-small\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-550555768 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-894598145\" class=\"col medium-1 small-4 large-1\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-right\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_44919291\">\n\t\t<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png 500w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-280x280.png 280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n<style>\n#image_44919291 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-894598145 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-894598145 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1188973807 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 15px 10px 0px 10px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_160123494 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2092646036\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-461745739\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1267570755\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Needle_Biopsy_or_Surgical_Diagnosis_a_More_Accurate_Choice\"><\/span>Is Needle Biopsy or Surgical Diagnosis a More Accurate Choice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most common dilemmas encountered during the diagnostic stage is whether or not to take a sample from the nodule with a needle from the outside. This procedure, which we call percutaneous biopsy, is quite functional especially in large masses. However, if the issue is a small nodule located deep in the lung, the situation changes. Since needle biopsy is performed by piercing the pleura, it carries the risk of lung collapse (pneumothorax). More importantly, it is difficult to hit small nodules with a needle, and the sample taken may sometimes be insufficient for diagnosis. The patient both takes a risk and may not receive a clear answer.<\/p>\n<p>In such cases, especially if the nodule carries high risk and is in a surgically accessible location, we prefer the &#8220;surgical diagnosis&#8221; method. That is, we remove the suspicious nodule together with a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This procedure is called &#8220;wedge resection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The advantages of this method are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provides a definitive diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Eliminates the risk of insufficient sampling<\/li>\n<li>The procedure is completed in a single session<\/li>\n<li>If the nodule is not cancer, the treatment is completed<\/li>\n<li>If the nodule is cancer, the main surgery is performed in the same session<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>During this procedure, which is performed in the operating room while the patient is asleep, pathologists immediately examine the removed tissue (frozen section examination). If the result is clean, the surgery ends; if it is malignant, a wider resection is performed in accordance with cancer surgery principles.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Possible_for_Cancers_of_Other_Organs_to_Appear_as_a_Lung_Nodule\"><\/span>Is It Possible for Cancers of Other Organs to Appear as a Lung Nodule?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The lungs are like a filter through which the body\u2019s entire blood circulation passes. For this reason, cancers starting in other organs such as the breast, intestine, kidney, or bone may spread to the lungs through the bloodstream. We call this &#8220;lung metastasis.&#8221; If a patient has a history of another cancer, the possibility that a new nodule seen in the lung may be a metastasis is always on the table. However, today the presence of metastasis does not always mean the end of the road.<\/p>\n<p>Surgically removing metastases in the lungs (metastasectomy) is a treatment that prolongs life expectancy and even offers the chance of complete cure in suitable patients. However, we cannot operate on every patient with metastasis. In order to achieve a successful result, the patient must meet certain criteria.<\/p>\n<p>The conditions we look for when making a surgical decision are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The primary tumor being under control<\/li>\n<li>No spread to another organ outside the lungs<\/li>\n<li>All lesions in the lungs being completely removable<\/li>\n<li>The patient having lung capacity sufficient to tolerate surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In these surgeries, our basic philosophy is to preserve as much healthy lung tissue as possible while completely removing the tumor. Because these patients may need surgery again in the future, and every gram of lung tissue is of vital importance for them.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Tests_Are_Performed_Before_Surgery_and_Why_Are_They_Important\"><\/span>Which Tests Are Performed Before Surgery and Why Are They Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we decide to remove a nodule, the only thing we focus on is not that nodule; the patient\u2019s quality of life after surgery is at least as important to us as the success of the surgery. &#8220;Will I be able to breathe comfortably after surgery? Will I be able to climb stairs?&#8221; are among the questions that occupy our patients\u2019 minds the most. For this reason, before surgery we measure the patient\u2019s &#8220;functional reserve,&#8221; that is, lung and heart capacity, in great detail.<\/p>\n<p>The tests we use in this evaluation process are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pulmonary Function Tests<\/li>\n<li>Measurement of Lung Diffusion Capacity<\/li>\n<li>Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests<\/li>\n<li>Electrocardiography<\/li>\n<li>Complete blood count<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Especially in situations where a large part of the lung may need to be removed (such as lobectomy) or if the patient already has limited breathing capacity, the results of these tests are a vital decision-making tool. If the test results show that the patient will not be able to tolerate a major surgery, we change our surgical technique. We prefer methods that cause less tissue loss and in which only the nodule is removed (sublobar resections). Our aim is not only to clear the cancer but also to ensure that the patient can get off the operating table and continue normal life without shortness of breath.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1267570755 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_2092646036 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1610655978\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2066737870\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-749506344\" class=\"col iletisim-sayfas\u0131-col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:rgb(60, 51, 142);border-width:2px 2px 2px 2px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n<div class=\"row align-middle\"  id=\"row-1377423020\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2078387266\" class=\"col medium-11 small-7 large-11\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div id=\"text-1050482574\" class=\"text hide-for-medium\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><br \/>To get information about treatments, simply click the button next to it. Our professional team will contact you immediately.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\t<div id=\"text-585507676\" class=\"text show-for-small\">\n\t\t\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You can contact us via WhatsApp.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-2078387266 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-944232845\" class=\"col medium-1 small-4 large-1\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-right\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_486351153\">\n\t\t<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=905457705745\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp.png 500w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/whatsapp-280x280.png 280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n<style>\n#image_486351153 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-944232845 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-944232845 > .col-inner {\n    margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-749506344 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 15px 10px 0px 10px;\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1610655978 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_47257744\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1967844154\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-454063708\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Kind_of_Comfort_Do_Closed_Methods_VATSRATS_Provide_to_the_Patient\"><\/span>What Kind of Comfort Do Closed Methods (VATS\/RATS) Provide to the Patient?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The greatest change in thoracic surgery in recent years has been the standardization of minimally invasive surgical methods. In the past, large incisions were made and the ribs were separated with special instruments to open the chest cavity. This led to severe postoperative pain and long recovery times. Today, thanks to Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic Surgery (RATS), this picture has completely changed.<\/p>\n<p>The main advantages that closed surgeries offer patients are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Much less postoperative pain<\/li>\n<li>Better cosmetic results thanks to small incisions<\/li>\n<li>Shorter hospital stay<\/li>\n<li>Faster return to daily life and work<\/li>\n<li>Less impact on the immune system<\/li>\n<li>Less blood loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the VATS method, we perform the procedure by entering through 1 to 3 small openings made in the chest wall with a camera and surgical instruments. Since we do not separate the ribs, the bone and muscle structure is preserved. In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms. Since the robot\u2019s arms have greater range of motion than the human wrist, it provides great precision especially in narrow spaces. Both methods dramatically increase patient comfort compared to open surgery. We now perform a very large part of nodule surgeries with these modern methods.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_We_Find_Very_Small_and_Deep_Nodules_During_Surgery\"><\/span>How Do We Find Very Small and Deep Nodules During Surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As the nodules we detect become smaller with the development of technology, finding them during surgery has also become more difficult. Especially soft nodules with &#8220;ground glass&#8221; quality or small lesions deep in the lung are almost impossible to feel by touching with instruments during closed surgery. This situation is like &#8220;looking for a needle in a haystack&#8221; for surgeons:<\/p>\n<p>To solve this problem, in traditional methods we would take the patient to the tomography room on the morning of surgery and place a hooked wire next to the nodule through the back with a needle. However, this method may be painful for the patient and carries risks such as displacement of the wire. Today, we use a much more advanced technology called &#8220;Electromagnetic Navigation&#8221; systems.<\/p>\n<p>The functioning of this new method is as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A virtual lung map is created with the patient\u2019s CT data.<\/li>\n<li>The patient is put to sleep in the operating room.<\/li>\n<li>A special catheter is advanced through the mouth with a GPS-like system.<\/li>\n<li>It is advanced on the virtual map to the exact side of the nodule.<\/li>\n<li>A special dye marking is made in the area where the nodule is located.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When we start surgery immediately after this procedure, we can perform a pinpoint resection by seeing the stained area. This technology (EMNTTNL) both prevents us from unnecessarily cutting healthy tissue and allows us to safely remove even the smallest nodules that we could not operate on because of the fear of &#8220;not being able to find them.&#8221; In addition, performing all procedures in a single room while the patient is asleep significantly reduces both the patient\u2019s stress and radiation exposure.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Awaits_Patients_in_the_Postoperative_Process\"><\/span>What Awaits Patients in the Postoperative Process?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The postoperative recovery process is just as important as the success of the surgery. Even if we use closed methods, some pain is expected during tissue healing. However, thanks to modern pain management protocols (multimodal analgesia), we make this process quite comfortable. Keeping pain under control is critical for the patient to be able to take deep breaths and cough; because immediate expansion of the lungs is the most effective way to prevent complications such as pneumonia.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common situations we encounter after surgery is &#8220;air leak.&#8221; Since the lung tissue is cut and sutured or stapled, it is normal for air to leak from the suture line for a while. This situation usually resolves on its own within a few days. During this period, a drain (tube) is used to evacuate the air accumulated in the chest cavity.<\/p>\n<p>The practical solutions we use instead of keeping the patient in the hospital for days if the air leak is prolonged are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use of a Heimlich valve<\/li>\n<li>Portable digital drainage systems<\/li>\n<li>Outpatient follow-up protocols<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Heimlich valve is a small one-way mechanism; it allows air to go out but prevents it from going in. In this way, we can discharge the patient with this small valve system, without large bottles attached. The patient continues to recover at home, in their own environment. Very rarely, additional interventions may be required for persistent leaks that do not close, but most cases recover spontaneously with patience and time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Awaits_Us_in_the_Future_in_the_Management_of_Lung_Nodules\"><\/span>What Awaits Us in the Future in the Management of Lung Nodules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The world of medicine does not stand still, and the management of lung nodules is one of the fields where technology is integrated most rapidly. In the future, perhaps without the need for surgery, we will be able to say for certain whether a nodule is benign or malignant just by analyzing molecules in the breath or examining tumor DNA in the blood. Artificial intelligence-supported imaging systems will increase diagnostic certainty by capturing details that the human eye may miss.<\/p>\n<p>However, no matter how much technology advances, one fact remains unchanged: Early diagnosis saves lives. Lung nodules should not be neglected. Correct risk analysis, regular follow-up, and timely minimally invasive intervention when necessary are the key to living a healthy life. Therefore, staying loyal to the follow-up plan recommended by your doctor is the most valuable investment you can make for your own health. Remember, lung nodules are not an enemy to fear but a process that needs to be managed correctly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion\">\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2479034182\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2479034182-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-why-do-lung-nodules-occur-and-which-conditions-are-they-most-commonly-associated-with?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2479034182-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Why do lung nodules occur and which conditions are they most commonly associated with?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2479034182-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2479034182-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules usually occur as a result of old infections, inflammations, or benign tumors. Tuberculosis, fungal infections, and rheumatic diseases are among the most commonly associated conditions.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3718420083\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3718420083-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-are-lung-nodules-more-common-in-smokers?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3718420083-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Are lung nodules more common in smokers?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3718420083-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3718420083-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Yes, the risk of lung nodules is significantly higher in smokers. Because tobacco smoke prepares the ground for nodule formation by causing cellular changes and inflammation in lung tissue.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-146511979\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-146511979-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-are-lung-nodules-risky-during-pregnancy?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-146511979-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Are lung nodules risky during pregnancy?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-146511979-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-146511979-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules detected during pregnancy are generally benign and are usually noticed incidentally. However, follow-up and evaluation should be carried out carefully for the mother\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1841943693\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1841943693-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-the-likelihood-of-lung-nodules-turning-into-cancer?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1841943693-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What is the likelihood of lung nodules turning into cancer?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1841943693-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1841943693-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Nodules larger than 8 mm in diameter, with irregular margins and showing growth have a higher risk of turning into cancer. However, most nodules are benign and only require follow-up.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1100909886\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1100909886-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-which-imaging-methods-are-used-to-follow-lung-nodules?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1100909886-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Which imaging methods are used to follow lung nodules?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1100909886-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1100909886-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Computed tomography (CT) is the most sensitive method for evaluating the size, shape, and change of the nodule. PET-CT is used to examine metabolic activity in suspicious nodules.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3740414310\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3740414310-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-when-is-biopsy-necessary-for-lung-nodules?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3740414310-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>When is biopsy necessary for lung nodules?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3740414310-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3740414310-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Biopsy is recommended if the nodule is growing, is larger than 1 cm, or appears active on PET-CT. In this way, whether it is malignant is confirmed and appropriate treatment can be planned.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1875523686\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1875523686-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-can-lung-nodules-disappear-over-time?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1875523686-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Can lung nodules disappear over time?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1875523686-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1875523686-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules caused by infections may shrink over time or disappear completely. However, some may be permanent and need to be followed for a long time.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1614784777\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1614784777-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-do-lung-nodules-require-surgical-intervention?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1614784777-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Do lung nodules require surgical intervention?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1614784777-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1614784777-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>If the nodule carries suspicion of malignancy or if the biopsy result is cancer, surgical intervention may be required. For benign nodules, generally only regular follow-up is sufficient.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-5280587\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-5280587-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-lifestyle-changes-should-people-with-lung-nodules-make?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-5280587-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What lifestyle changes should people with lung nodules make?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-5280587-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-5280587-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Quitting smoking, regular doctor check-ups, and healthy lifestyle habits play an important role in preventing nodules from worsening. In addition, protection from air pollution is also recommended.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-493850595\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-493850595-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-do-lung-nodules-create-psychological-effects?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-493850595-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Do lung nodules create psychological effects?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-493850595-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-493850595-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Yes, concern that the nodule may be cancer can cause stress and anxiety in people. In this case, receiving psychological support helps manage the process more healthily.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4066958952\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4066958952-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-long-does-lung-nodule-treatment-take?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4066958952-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How Long Does Lung Nodule Treatment Take?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4066958952-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4066958952-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The duration of lung nodule treatment depends on the size and structure of the nodule and whether it carries a risk of cancer. Benign nodules are generally only followed, and this process may take years. For suspicious or malignant nodules, biopsy, surgical removal, or oncological treatments may be required. The surgical procedure usually takes 1\u20133 hours, while the recovery process may take several weeks.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1422645153\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1422645153-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-which-department-or-doctor-should-be-consulted-for-a-lung-nodule?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1422645153-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Which Department or Doctor Should Be Consulted for a Lung Nodule?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1422645153-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1422645153-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>For the diagnosis and follow-up of a lung nodule, the Pulmonology department should be consulted first. In cases requiring surgical intervention, the patient is referred to the Thoracic Surgery department.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-717736053\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-717736053-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-is-the-nodule-in-the-lung-removed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-717736053-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How is the nodule in the lung removed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-717736053-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-717736053-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules are generally not \u201ccleaned.\u201d Nodules thought to be benign are followed, while suspicious ones are evaluated by biopsy or surgically removed. Treatment is planned according to the cause of the nodule.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1321132675\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1321132675-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-is-a-lung-nodule-biopsy-performed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1321132675-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How is a lung nodule biopsy performed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1321132675-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1321132675-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Biopsy can be performed by needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or surgical methods. The choice is determined according to the size, location of the nodule, and the patient\u2019s general condition.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3021438822\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3021438822-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-does-a-lung-nodule-look-like?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3021438822-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What does a lung nodule look like?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3021438822-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3021438822-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules are generally seen on tomography as round or oval opacities ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Margin structure and density are important in evaluation.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4124841488\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4124841488-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-should-be-done-if-there-is-a-nodule-in-the-lung?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4124841488-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What should be done if there is a nodule in the lung?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4124841488-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4124841488-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>First of all, there should be no panic. A pulmonology specialist should be consulted, and follow-up or further examination should be planned according to the size, shape, and risk factors of the nodule.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1935851312\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1935851312-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-happens-if-a-lung-nodule-is-not-removed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1935851312-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>What happens if a lung nodule is not removed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1935851312-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1935851312-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Benign nodules may remain without problems for years without being removed. However, if a malignant nodule is not removed, it may grow and spread, so regular follow-up is of vital importance.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-4282455148\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-4282455148-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-a-lung-nodule-cause-pain?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-4282455148-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does a lung nodule cause pain?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-4282455148-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-4282455148-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Lung nodules usually do not cause pain. If there is pain, another lung or chest wall disease is generally accompanying it.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-20441004\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-20441004-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-many-years-should-a-lung-nodule-be-followed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-20441004-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>How many years should a lung nodule be followed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-20441004-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-20441004-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The duration of follow-up varies according to the characteristics of the nodule. For most nodules, regular tomography follow-up is performed for up to 2 years, and if there is no change during this period, follow-up may be terminated.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-121439589\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-121439589-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-does-a-nodule-in-the-lung-cause-cough?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-121439589-content\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Does a nodule in the lung cause cough?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-121439589-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-121439589-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Most lung nodules do not cause cough. However, if the nodule is close to the airways or if there is another underlying disease, cough may be seen.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-454063708 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -40px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_47257744 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-1389934803\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-1389934803 {\n  padding-top: 45px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1116,"parent":1086,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-blank.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1117","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1117"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1153,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1117\/revisions\/1153"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}