{"id":1121,"date":"2025-12-08T15:23:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/?page_id=1121"},"modified":"2026-03-06T12:36:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:36:10","slug":"lung-nodule-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Lung Nodule Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_477618535\">\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-1623482739\" 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 Treatment          <\/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_477618535 {\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_787338325\">\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-863590406\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1055179708\" 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>A lung nodule is an area of increased density within the lung tissue, smaller than 3 cm, round or oval in shape, and most often detected incidentally. Nodules are generally benign, but because they may carry a risk of malignancy, careful evaluation is required. They are monitored with follow-up and biopsy if necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Nodule types and evaluation criteria are based on radiological features such as the size, margin structure, density, and growth rate of the nodule. Solid, subsolid, and calcified nodules carry different clinical meanings. Risk factors such as smoking history and age are also taken into consideration in the analysis.<\/p>\n<p>The diagnostic process and follow-up protocols begin with low-dose computed tomography (CT). In suspicious nodules, PET-CT, transthoracic needle biopsy, or bronchoscopy may be required. Nodules with low suspicion of malignancy are monitored at intervals determined according to the Fleischner criteria.<\/p>\n<p>Treatment approaches and surgical options are shaped according to the malignancy risk of the nodule. Surgical resection is preferred for high-risk or growing nodules. In diagnosed cancer cases, additional oncological treatments may be planned. Early intervention positively affects the prognosis.<\/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>A lung nodule is a lesion with the appearance of a mass, smaller than 3 cm, round or oval in shape, and generally detected incidentally within the lung tissue. Lesions larger than 3 cm are evaluated as a \u201cmass.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Classification<\/td>\n<td>Solid nodule: Its density is similar to the surrounding tissue. Subsolid nodule: Partial (semi-) density. Pure ground-glass nodule: Slightly dense, without complete opacity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Causes \u2013 Benign<\/td>\n<td>Granuloma (due to tuberculosis or fungal infections), hamartoma, post-infectious scar, rheumatologic diseases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Causes \u2013 Malignant<\/td>\n<td>Primary lung cancer (especially adenocarcinoma), metastases, carcinoid tumors, lymphomas.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Symptoms<\/td>\n<td>Generally causes no symptoms and is detected incidentally during radiological examinations. Large, malignant, or infected nodules may cause cough, sputum, chest pain, or coughing up blood.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Factors<\/td>\n<td>Smoking, advanced age, family history of cancer, history of malignancy, occupational exposure to substances such as asbestos and radon.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diagnostic Methods<\/td>\n<td>Low-dose thoracic CT (the most sensitive method), PET-CT (metabolic activity evaluation), comparison with previous imaging, rarely MRI.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Evaluation Criteria<\/td>\n<td>The size, shape, margin structure (irregular, smooth), growth rate, calcification pattern, density of the nodule, and the patient\u2019s risk profile.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Need for Biopsy<\/td>\n<td>In nodules larger than 8 mm, with irregular margins, rapidly growing, or found to be active on PET-CT, needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or surgical biopsy may be required.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow-up Protocols<\/td>\n<td>Depending on the size and type of the nodule, it is followed with low-dose CT at intervals of 3-12 months. It is individualized according to the Fleischner Society and other international guidelines.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Treatment \u2013 Benign<\/td>\n<td>No treatment is required; only follow-up is performed. If there is an infectious cause, appropriate antibiotic treatment is applied.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Treatment \u2013 Malignant<\/td>\n<td>Surgical resection (segmentectomy, lobectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy are planned according to the tumor type and stage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Surgical Indication<\/td>\n<td>Surgery may be performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for nodules with a high risk of malignancy (especially those larger than 2 cm, PET-positive, rapidly growing).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow-up and Control<\/td>\n<td>Depending on the diagnosis, regular radiological follow-up, oncological evaluation, and, when necessary, further examinations are performed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Prognosis<\/td>\n<td>The prognosis is excellent for benign nodules. In malignant nodules, early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the survival rate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1055179708 > .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_787338325 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_195912850\">\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-504166169\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1222826938\" 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-499527578\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-451110307\" 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_146230424\">\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_146230424 {\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-451110307 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -20px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-194576575\" 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-4114040085\" 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-4114040085 {\n  font-size: 2rem;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #text-4114040085 {\n    font-size: 2.25rem;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"gap-2142004382\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-2142004382 {\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-194576575 > .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-1222826938 > .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-1222826938 > .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_195912850 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1280084049\">\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-1934970582\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-628435379\" 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-treatment\/#What_Is_a_Nodule_in_the_Lung\" >What Is a Nodule in the Lung?<\/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-treatment\/#What_does_a_nodule_in_the_lung_mean\" >What does a nodule in the lung mean?<\/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-treatment\/#What_are_the_causes_that_pave_the_way_for_the_formation_of_these_nodules\" >What are the causes that pave the way for the formation of these nodules?<\/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-treatment\/#What_do_the_size_and_shape_of_the_nodule_tell_us\" >What do the size and shape of the nodule tell us?<\/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-treatment\/#Which_factors_are_taken_into_account_in_risk_assessment\" >Which factors are taken into account in risk assessment?<\/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-treatment\/#Is_it_necessary_to_perform_a_PETCT_scan\" >Is it necessary to perform a PET\/CT scan?<\/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-treatment\/#In_which_cases_is_a_biopsy_required\" >In which cases is a biopsy required?<\/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-treatment\/#Why_is_the_breathing_test_important_before_surgery\" >Why is the breathing test important before surgery?<\/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-treatment\/#How_is_the_closed_surgery_VATS_method_applied\" >How is the closed surgery (VATS) method applied?<\/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-treatment\/#What_is_the_Frozen_procedure_performed_during_surgery\" >What is the Frozen procedure performed during surgery?<\/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-treatment\/#How_is_it_decided_how_much_tissue_will_be_removed_from_the_lung\" >How is it decided how much tissue will be removed from the lung?<\/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-treatment\/#How_is_technology_used_in_locating_small_nodules\" >How is technology used in locating small nodules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule-treatment\/#What_happens_if_it_turns_out_to_be_benign_or_malignant\" >What happens if it turns out to be benign or malignant?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule-treatment\/#How_does_the_follow-up_process_work\" >How does the follow-up process work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/treatments\/lung-nodule-treatment\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Nodule_in_the_Lung\"><\/span>What Is a Nodule in the Lung?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A nodule in the lung is an abnormal formation within the lung tissue, usually smaller than 3 centimeters, limited and round in appearance. Most develop due to benign causes, especially infections or previous inflammatory processes. However, some nodules may be a sign of early-stage lung cancer. They are generally detected incidentally during imaging. The need for follow-up and further examination is determined according to the size and structure of the nodule and the patient\u2019s risk factors.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_nodule_in_the_lung_mean\"><\/span>What does a nodule in the lung mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The term &#8220;solitary pulmonary nodule,&#8221; which we frequently encounter in medical reports, is actually not a disease diagnosis but a radiological definition. Simply put, we call nodules those round or oval formations within the air-filled, spongy tissue of the lung that should not normally be there and are generally smaller than 3 centimeters in diameter. You can think of it like a mole or spot that appears later on your skin. Just as not every spot on our skin indicates a dangerous disease, not every nodule in our lung means cancer.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, lung nodules are quite common. With the development of technology, we can now perform much thinner-section and higher-resolution tomography scans. This enables us to detect millimetric formations, as small as a grain of rice, that we would never have been able to see with old-style X-ray devices. When a nodule is detected, the most decisive factor for us is time. If you have a scan from two years ago and that same nodule is in the same place and of the same size, you can take a deep breath. Because while malignant formations grow uncontrollably, the likelihood that nodules whose size does not change are benign is almost certain.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_causes_that_pave_the_way_for_the_formation_of_these_nodules\"><\/span>What are the causes that pave the way for the formation of these nodules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Our lungs are organs that are in constant contact with the outside world and filter the air we breathe. The infections we have had throughout our lives, the dusts or smoke we have inhaled, leave some marks in the lung tissue. Our body\u2019s defense mechanism builds a wall around a microbe or substance it considers harmful and traps it in order to neutralize it. The nodule we see years later when a scan is taken may actually be the remnant of a battle our body won in the past.<\/p>\n<p>The most common factors that may cause nodule formation are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Previous tuberculosis infection<\/li>\n<li>Fungal infections<\/li>\n<li>Residual bacterial pneumonia<\/li>\n<li>Sarcoidosis<\/li>\n<li>Rheumatoid arthritis<\/li>\n<li>Wegener granulomatosis<\/li>\n<li>Histoplasmosis<\/li>\n<li>Hydatid cyst<\/li>\n<li>Hamartomas<\/li>\n<li>Intrapulmonary lymph nodes<\/li>\n<li>Lung abscesses<\/li>\n<li>Occupational dust exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_the_size_and_shape_of_the_nodule_tell_us\"><\/span>What do the size and shape of the nodule tell us?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first feature we look at when evaluating a nodule is its size in millimeters. Size is a mathematical compass we use when performing risk analysis. Nodules smaller than 4 millimeters in diameter are as common as stars in the sky, and the statistical probability of these being cancer is below one percent. These very small nodules are generally considered &#8220;clinically insignificant,&#8221; and in most cases only follow-up is sufficient. In some cases, even follow-up may not be required.<\/p>\n<p>However, as the diameter of the nodule increases, so does our level of attention. Nodules between 8 millimeters and 2 centimeters are in the &#8220;intermediate-risk&#8221; group and deserve more detailed examination. If the nodule is larger than 2 centimeters, the risk of cancer increases significantly. In addition to size, the shape of the nodule also whispers a lot to us. Nodules with smooth, regular margins, as if drawn with a pencil, are generally benign in character. However, nodules with irregular margins and spiky extensions like a sea urchin (spiculation) carry a risk of malignancy because they show an aggressive attitude toward the surrounding tissue. In addition, whether there is calcification within the nodule is another vital clue. If there are popcorn-like or eggshell-like calcifications within the nodule, this usually points to a benign process.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_factors_are_taken_into_account_in_risk_assessment\"><\/span>Which factors are taken into account in risk assessment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When a patient comes to us, we do not make a decision only by looking at the scan. The patient\u2019s story is just as important as the scan itself. By using scientific risk calculation tools such as the &#8220;Mayo Clinic Model,&#8221; we create a personal risk map for each patient. This map helps us determine what the next step will be (watch and wait, perform a biopsy, or operate).<\/p>\n<p>The factors that increase cancer risk are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Advanced age<\/li>\n<li>Active smoking<\/li>\n<li>History of smoking<\/li>\n<li>Family history of lung cancer<\/li>\n<li>Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease<\/li>\n<li>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis<\/li>\n<li>Asbestos exposure<\/li>\n<li>Radon gas exposure<\/li>\n<li>Previous history of cancer<\/li>\n<li>Arsenic exposure<\/li>\n<li>Silica dust exposure<\/li>\n<li>Previous radiotherapy to the chest region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-628435379 > .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_1280084049 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1584718520\">\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-422194072\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-102096237\" 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-158863632\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1264117136\" 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-640203204\" 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-18914478\" 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-1264117136 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-517996187\" 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_1961932716\">\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_1961932716 {\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-517996187 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-517996187 > .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-102096237 > .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_1584718520 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1996151435\">\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-1425440886\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-143297315\" 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_it_necessary_to_perform_a_PETCT_scan\"><\/span>Is it necessary to perform a PET\/CT scan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>PET\/CT, popularly known as a &#8220;color scan&#8221; or &#8220;contrast whole-body scan,&#8221; is not a method we use for every patient with a nodule. It generally comes into play in nodules larger than 8-10 millimeters and in cases where the suspicion of cancer is intermediate or high. The working principle of this technology is quite clever; it is based on the fact that cancer cells, because they proliferate uncontrollably, need much more energy, that is, sugar, than normal cells. A labeled sugar molecule is given to the patient intravenously, and it is monitored which tissue in the body consumes this sugar the most.<\/p>\n<p>If the nodule in the lung takes up this sugar intensively by &#8220;lighting up,&#8221; this shows that the cells there are very active and strengthens the suspicion of cancer. However, PET\/CT does not give us a one hundred percent definitive result; it only shows probabilities. Because active infections (for example tuberculosis) or inflammatory conditions may also consume a lot of sugar just like cancer and may light up on the scan. We call this &#8220;false positivity.&#8221; On the other hand, some slow-growing cancer types or very small foci may not light up on the scan because they do not consume enough sugar. Therefore, the PET\/CT result is an important piece of the puzzle that the surgeon uses when making a decision, but it does not make the judgment on its own.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_which_cases_is_a_biopsy_required\"><\/span>In which cases is a biopsy required?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For masses in other parts of the body, a standard approach is usually to first perform a biopsy, name it, and then move on to treatment. However, things work a little differently in the lung. Because the lung is an organ that is constantly moving and filled with air, a biopsy procedure is not always risk-free or easy. When deciding on a biopsy, the location and size of the nodule and the patient\u2019s general condition are decisive. Sometimes the risk of performing a biopsy may be higher than the risk of operating directly, or the biopsy result may not give us a clear answer.<\/p>\n<p>The methods used for biopsy are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Transthoracic Needle Aspiration<\/li>\n<li>Fiberoptic bronchoscopy<\/li>\n<li>Endobronchial Ultrasonography<\/li>\n<li>Navigational bronchoscopy<\/li>\n<li>Electromagnetic navigation<\/li>\n<li>Virtual bronchoscopy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_the_breathing_test_important_before_surgery\"><\/span>Why is the breathing test important before surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we decide to surgically remove a nodule, another issue that is at least as important as the nodule itself is whether the patient can tolerate this surgery. During surgery, we may need to remove a certain amount of healthy lung tissue together with the nodule. Therefore, we need to calculate millimetrically whether the patient\u2019s remaining lung capacity will be sufficient. With pulmonary function tests (PFT), we measure the patient\u2019s breathing capacity and the openness of the airways.<\/p>\n<p>However, sometimes the blowing test alone is not enough. Especially in patients who have smoked, have a history of COPD, or experience shortness of breath when climbing stairs, we resort to more advanced examinations such as the &#8220;Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test&#8221; (CPET). These tests measure the body\u2019s oxygen consumption capacity (VO2 max). If the patient\u2019s reserves are borderline, we change the type of surgery we will perform. For example, instead of removing an entire lobe, we try to preserve lung tissue by removing only the small segment containing the nodule (segmentectomy). Our aim is not only to clear the cancer but also to ensure that the patient can continue life comfortably after surgery without experiencing shortness of breath.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_the_closed_surgery_VATS_method_applied\"><\/span>How is the closed surgery (VATS) method applied?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the past, when thoracic surgery was mentioned, what came to mind were open surgeries in which the space between the ribs was widely opened, large muscles were cut, and the recovery process was quite painful. However, with the development of technology and surgical techniques today, the closed methods that we call &#8220;VATS&#8221; (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) have become the gold standard. We can now perform these surgeries without opening the chest cavity and without separating the ribs.<\/p>\n<p>In this method, usually 1, 2, or 3 small holes (ports), each 1-2 centimeters, are made in the patient\u2019s chest wall. Through one of these holes, a high-resolution camera is sent inside and the image of the lung is reflected on giant screens. The surgeon performs the operation by looking at the screen with special and thin surgical instruments inserted through the other holes. The comfort this method provides to the patient is invaluable. Because the incisions are very small, postoperative pain is much less, patients spend less time in intensive care, the risk of infection decreases, and the time to return to daily life is incredibly shortened. Cosmetically, only tiny scars remain.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Frozen_procedure_performed_during_surgery\"><\/span>What is the Frozen procedure performed during surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most exciting and critical stage of lung nodule surgeries is the &#8220;Frozen Section&#8221; collaboration we carry out with the pathologist inside the operating room. This procedure is applied in suspicious nodules whose diagnosis has not yet been finalized. While the patient is asleep under general anesthesia, the nodule in the lung and a small piece of healthy tissue around it (wedge resection) are removed using the closed method. This piece is sent without delay to the pathology laboratory inside or immediately next to the operating room.<\/p>\n<p>The pathologist freezes the tissue in a special device, takes thin sections, and examines them under the microscope. Within about 15-20 minutes, a result is reported to the surgical team. If the result comes back as &#8220;benign,&#8221; the operation is terminated there. The patient is relieved of only that small nodule, there is no need to remove more tissue, and most of the lung is preserved. However, if the result comes back as &#8220;malignant,&#8221; that is, cancer, the extent of the surgery is expanded under the same anesthesia. In accordance with the principles of cancer surgery, the relevant lobe or anatomical segment is removed together with the lymph nodes. Thus, the patient completes both diagnosis and treatment in a single session; there is no need for a second surgery.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-143297315 > .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_1996151435 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_227571029\">\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-553495050\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1957610847\" 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-1489811669\">\r\n\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-878006683\" 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-565660338\" 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-2581048950\" 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-878006683 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -30px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1509817946\" 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_2115152390\">\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_2115152390 {\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-1509817946 > .col-inner {\n  margin: 0px 0px -15px 0px;\n}\n@media (min-width:550px) {\n  #col-1509817946 > .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-1957610847 > .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_227571029 {\n  padding-top: 0px;\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2008762470\">\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-1574597934\">\n\n\t<div id=\"col-745599659\" 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=\"How_is_it_decided_how_much_tissue_will_be_removed_from_the_lung\"><\/span>How is it decided how much tissue will be removed from the lung?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In lung surgery, our basic principle is to remove &#8220;as much as necessary, as little as possible&#8221; tissue. In other words, while completely clearing the cancerous tissue, we also try to preserve the patient\u2019s healthy lung tissue to the maximum extent. The amount of tissue to be removed varies according to the size, location, and type of the nodule, and most importantly, the patient\u2019s breathing capacity.<\/p>\n<p>The surgical resection types applied are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wedge resection<\/li>\n<li>Anatomical segmentectomy<\/li>\n<li>Lobectomy<\/li>\n<li>Sleeve lobectomy<\/li>\n<li>Bilobectomy<\/li>\n<li>Pneumonectomy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In nodules caught at an early stage, small in size (generally under 2 cm), and not spread to the lymph nodes, the method we call &#8220;segmentectomy&#8221; is now coming to the forefront. In this method, instead of removing an entire lobe, only the anatomical unit containing the tumor is removed. In this way, the patient\u2019s lung capacity is preserved without compromising oncological clearance. However, if the tumor is large or centrally located, the standard treatment, &#8220;lobectomy&#8221; (removal of one of the five lobes of the lung), is applied.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_technology_used_in_locating_small_nodules\"><\/span>How is technology used in locating small nodules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some nodules are so small or so deep in the lung that especially during closed surgery it may not be possible for the surgeon to feel them with a finger or see them with the eye. When the lung is deflated, the nodule may also disappear within the tissue. This situation is like &#8220;looking for a needle in a haystack.&#8221; This is where modern technology comes into play.<\/p>\n<p>We use various methods to &#8220;mark&#8221; the location of the nodule before or during surgery. Sometimes a special wire is placed next to the nodule under tomography guidance, and sometimes a special dye is injected into the location of the nodule by progressing through the airways inside the lung with a GPS-like system using the method called &#8220;navigational bronchoscopy.&#8221; In recent years, with the &#8220;Hybrid Operating Room&#8221; concept, C-arm CT devices capable of taking tomography scans of the patient on the operating table have been used. In this way, the location of the nodule is visualized millimetrically during surgery and it is removed with exact precision. These technologies eliminate the surgeon\u2019s concern of &#8220;am I removing the right place?&#8221; and prevent unnecessary tissue loss.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_it_turns_out_to_be_benign_or_malignant\"><\/span>What happens if it turns out to be benign or malignant?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If, as a result of the procedures performed, the nodule turns out to be benign (hamartoma, granuloma, etc.), this is the most pleasing scenario. In benign nodules removed by surgery, the treatment is considered complete. No additional drug treatment, radiation, or chemotherapy is needed. Since the nodule is completely removed from the body, there is no risk of recurrence. After a short recovery period, the patient continues normal life where they left off.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the nodule turns out to be malignant, that is, lung cancer, the fact that it has been caught at the &#8220;nodule&#8221; stage is actually a great chance. Because this means that the disease is still in its initial stage (Stage 1). In early-stage lung cancer, surgical treatment has the potential to completely eliminate the disease (cure). Long-term survival rates are quite high in patients who are caught and operated on at this stage. Although some patients may require additional protective treatments according to the details of the pathology report, in most cases successful surgery alone is sufficient.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_follow-up_process_work\"><\/span>How does the follow-up process work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Whether operated on or not, every patient in whom a nodule is detected should be followed within a certain discipline. In patients treated surgically, tomography control is generally recommended every 3 to 6 months during the first two years, and once a year in the following years. The purpose of these follow-ups is not only to see whether the disease has recurred. In people who have smoked or have risk factors, there is also a risk that a completely new and different nodule may develop years later in another part of the lung. For this reason, it is vitally important not to neglect controls by saying &#8220;I am already cured.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The points paid attention to during follow-up are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Development of a new nodule<\/li>\n<li>Increase in size of existing nodules<\/li>\n<li>Changes in the surgical area<\/li>\n<li>Enlargement of lymph nodes<\/li>\n<li>Fluid accumulation<\/li>\n<li>Complaint of shortness of breath<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-2725571331\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2725571331-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-are-the-most-common-causes-of-nodule-formation-in-the-lung?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2725571331-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 are the most common causes of nodule formation in the lung?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2725571331-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2725571331-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Nodules generally form as a result of old infections, benign tumors, inflammations, or connective tissue diseases. Smoking and environmental exposures are also risk factors.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-707540568\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-707540568-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-should-be-done-if-a-lung-nodule-is-detected-during-pregnancy?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-707540568-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 a lung nodule is detected during pregnancy?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-707540568-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-707540568-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>When a nodule is detected during pregnancy, MRI without radiation is preferred. If the nodule is not suspicious, it is followed after delivery. If there is a cancer risk, further examination is performed with a multidisciplinary approach.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2990404440\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2990404440-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-can-it-be-understood-whether-a-nodule-in-the-lung-is-malignant-or-benign?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2990404440-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 can it be understood whether a nodule in the lung is malignant or benign?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2990404440-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2990404440-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The size, margin structure, growth rate, and metabolic activity of the nodule on PET-CT are evaluated. A biopsy is performed if necessary. Nodules with smooth margins and smaller than 2 cm are generally benign.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-254568185\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-254568185-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-does-it-mean-if-the-nodule-in-the-lung-grows-over-time?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-254568185-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 it mean if the nodule in the lung grows over time?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-254568185-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-254568185-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Growth of the nodule increases the risk of malignancy. If an increase in size is detected during follow-up, further imaging or biopsy is planned. Stable nodules are generally benign.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2300643449\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2300643449-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-is-the-risk-of-seeing-a-lung-nodule-higher-in-smokers?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2300643449-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>Is the risk of seeing a lung nodule higher in smokers?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2300643449-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2300643449-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Yes, smoking increases the likelihood of seeing a lung nodule because it causes inflammation and structural changes in the lung tissue. In addition, the risk of the nodule being malignant is also higher.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3139889161\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3139889161-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-is-a-biopsy-always-required-if-a-nodule-is-detected-in-the-lung?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3139889161-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>Is a biopsy always required if a nodule is detected in the lung?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3139889161-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3139889161-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>No, if the nodule is small and appears low risk, regular follow-up with tomography is sufficient. If there are suspicious features, biopsy or surgical evaluation is performed.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2108280526\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2108280526-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-do-nodules-in-the-lung-cause-cough-or-pain?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2108280526-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 nodules in the lung cause cough or pain?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2108280526-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2108280526-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Most nodules do not cause symptoms and are detected incidentally. However, large or centrally located nodules may cause cough, chest pain, or bloody sputum.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-675658686\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-675658686-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-often-should-people-with-a-lung-nodule-be-checked?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-675658686-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 often should people with a lung nodule be checked?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-675658686-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-675658686-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Depending on the size of the nodule and the level of risk, follow-up is performed with low-dose CT every 3, 6, or 12 months. In stable nodules, the follow-up interval is extended over time.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2551812064\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2551812064-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-if-a-lung-nodule-is-removed-by-surgery,-does-it-recur?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2551812064-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>If a lung nodule is removed by surgery, does it recur?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2551812064-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2551812064-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>If the removed nodule is malignant and there is a risk of spread, it may recur. Benign nodules generally do not recur. For this reason, the follow-up process is important.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-2740561188\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-2740561188-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-does-it-indicate-if-there-is-more-than-one-nodule-in-the-lung?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-2740561188-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 it indicate if there is more than one nodule in the lung?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-2740561188-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-2740561188-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Multiple nodules may indicate infection, widespread benign lesions, or conditions such as metastasis. The diagnosis is clarified according to imaging and clinical history, and appropriate treatment is planned.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-908825927\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-908825927-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-long-does-lung-nodule-treatment-take?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-908825927-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-908825927-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-908825927-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The duration of treatment for a nodule in the lung varies according to the type and risk status of the nodule. Benign nodules are generally followed with regular radiological follow-up, and this process may take years. If surgical intervention is required for suspicious or malignant nodules, the procedure takes 1\u20133 hours.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3609260694\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3609260694-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-3609260694-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-3609260694-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3609260694-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>When a nodule in the lung is detected, the Pulmonology department should first be consulted for evaluation and follow-up. The specialist physician initiates the follow-up process or may request further examinations according to the characteristics of the nodule. In suspicious cases, if biopsy or surgical removal is required, the patient is referred to the Thoracic Surgery department.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-3473531127\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-3473531127-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-is-a-lung-nodule-dangerous?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-3473531127-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>Is a lung nodule dangerous?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-3473531127-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-3473531127-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>The vast majority of lung nodules are benign and not dangerous. However, some nodules may carry a risk of cancer. The risk is evaluated according to the size, margin structure, growth rate of the nodule, and the person\u2019s smoking history.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-309704064\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-309704064-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-309704064-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-309704064-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-309704064-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>First of all, one should remain calm and consult a pulmonology specialist. Regular tomography follow-up, PET-CT, or biopsy may be planned according to the characteristics of the nodule.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-1866700455\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-1866700455-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-what-is-a-pulmonary-nodule-in-the-lung?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-1866700455-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 a pulmonary nodule in the lung?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-1866700455-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-1866700455-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>A pulmonary nodule is a lesion usually smaller than 3 cm, round or oval in structure, seen within the lung tissue. It may be caused by infection, traces of old disease, or rarely a tumor.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"accordion-485066964\" class=\"accordion-item\">\n\t\t<a id=\"accordion-485066964-label\" class=\"accordion-title plain\" href=\"#accordion-item-how-is-a-biopsy-of-a-nodule-in-the-lung-performed?\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-485066964-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 biopsy of a nodule in the lung performed?<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div id=\"accordion-485066964-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-485066964-label\">\n\t\t\t\n<p>Biopsy can be performed through the skin with a fine needle, through the airways with bronchoscopy, or surgically. The method is determined according to the location of the nodule and the level of suspicion.<\/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-745599659 > .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_2008762470 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-640191195\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-640191195 {\n  padding-top: 45px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1120,"parent":1086,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-blank.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1121","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1121","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=1121"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1175,"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1121\/revisions\/1175"}],"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\/1120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dralperfindikcioglu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}