Solitary Pulmonary Nodule (Solitary Coin Lesion)
Solitary pulmonary nodule A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a single round or oval growth in your lungs. This type of growth is also called a solitary coin lesion. Typically, an SPN causes no symptoms. It’s usually found during a chest X-ray or CT scan. Your doctor may perform a biopsy to find out if the nodule is cancerous or noncancerous. About half of all SPNs are noncancerous, or benign. These SPNs are the result of scarring or bacterial infections. As long as the benign nodule remains the same size, it generally won’t need to be treated. You’re at a higher risk of developing a cancerous SPN if you smoke or have been exposed to carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. You may also develop an SPN if you have cancer in another part of your body and it spreads (metastasizes) to your lungs. Causes of a solitary pulmonary nodule About half of all SPNs are noncancerous. They may have one of several causes, such as infection or scarring. Most develop as a reaction to a previous...