Lung nodule risk assessment

Finding out you have a lung nodule can feel overwhelming. Our pulmonology team is here to help.
740-779-8700

What is a lung nodule?

A lung nodule, sometimes called a pulmonary nodule, is a small spot or growth in the lung. Most are about the size of a grape or smaller and are often discovered during a chest X-ray or CT scan performed for another reason.

Finding a lung nodule can be scary — but know that 95% of lung nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Understanding what caused the nodule — and whether follow-up is needed — helps your care team determine the right next steps. When lung cancer is found early, treatment is often more effective with more options available to you.

Common noncancerous causes of lung nodules include inflammation from autoimmune conditions, respiratory infections like pneumonia, scar tissue from previous illness, and fungal infections such as histoplasmosis.

What does my risk mean?

Not all lung nodules carry the same risk of being cancerous. To understand what a nodule may mean, your doctor looks at several factors, including its size, shape, location, and appearance, along with your personal health history.

Certain factors can increase the risk that a nodule may be cancerous, including:

  • Smoking history
  • Older age
  • Previous cancer diagnosis
  • Exposure to environmental or workplace hazards

Based on this information, your care team estimates the likelihood that the nodule could be cancerous and recommends the most appropriate next steps.

Very low risk
Less than 5%

Your doctor may recommend periodic CT scans to monitor the nodule for changes over time. In most cases, no immediate intervention is needed.
Low to moderate risk
5% to 65%

This is where the blood test may be recommended to gather more information before deciding on next steps. One simple blood draw can help your doctor better understand the nodule's risk of cancer.
High risk
Greater than 65%

Your doctor may recommend a biopsy or surgery to examine cells within the nodule more closely and confirm whether cancer is present.

The lung blood test is designed specifically for patients in the low to moderate risk range, where additional information can help guide decision-making.

How can a blood test help?

A simple blood test that looks for proteins and other markers in your blood that provides additional information about a lung nodule.

The test is simple. One blood draw. No procedure, no extra hospital visits.

Combined with imaging results and your health history, the test can help your doctor better understand your risk and what to do next.

Avoid unnecessary procedures

If your nodule is benign, testing may eliminate the need for invasive follow-ups like a biopsy.
Gain peace of mind

More information means fewer unknowns. Testing helps you and your doctor move forward with more confidence.
Identify cancer earlier

When cancer is present, finding it sooner gives you more options and better outcomes.

Is a lung nodule risk assessment blood test right for you?

If your doctor determines that your lung nodule falls into the low to moderate risk range, and you need more info, a simple blood test can help guide what comes next.

Your pulmonologist will review your imaging, health history, and overall risk factors to determine whether the test may be helpful in your situation.

If you've been told you have a lung nodule and aren't sure what to do, ask your provider whether a lung nodule risk assessment blood test is an option.

Frequently asked questions

Questions?

Finding out you have a lung nodule can bring uncertainty, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our pulmonology team can help you understand your results and options and determine what comes next.

Call Adena Pulmonology: 740-779-8700
Fax Adena Pulmonology: 740-779-8709