This article discusses lung masses and their possible causes.
With respect to size:
What Can Cause a Mass in the Lung?
The most common causes of a lung mass differ from those of a lung nodule.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
Diagnostic tests would determine thetype of lung cancer.
The most common cancers that spread to the lungs are breast cancer, colon cancer, andbladder cancer.
Treatment options depend on the bang out and stage of the lung cancer.
What Are the Chances a Lung Mass Is Cancer?
If you have a lung mass, the most likely diagnosis is lung cancer.
A history of smoking makes this even more likely.
The risk also is higher among people with exposure to cancer-causing substances due to their occupation.
For example, carpenters may have an elevated risk for cancers caused bywood dust.
A lung mass is more concerning if it is described as ground glass on an imaging report.
Calcifications and cavitary shapes are more likely with benign tumors.
Benign Causes
Sometimes lung masses have noncancerous causes.
Apositron emission tomography (PET) scanis an imaging study that detects increased metabolic activity associated with active growth.
They also play a key role in guiding current treatments.
During a bronchoscopy, healthcare providers pass a flexible tube through your mouth and down into your bronchi.
If this is the case,thoracic surgerymay be recommended to get a sample of tissue.
Treatment
The treatment of your lung mass will depend on the underlying cause.
Once a diagnosis is made, you’re able to discuss treatment options.
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