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Fan| More than half of all solitary pulmonary nodules are
noncancerous (benign). Benign nodules have many causes,
including old scars and infections. Infectious granulomas
(reactions to a past infection) cause most benign lesions.
Common infections that increase the risk for developing a
solitary pulmonary nodule include: Lung cancer is the most
common cause of cancerous (malignant) pulmonary nodules. The
nodule itself rarely causes symptoms. A solitary pulmonary
nodule is most often found on a chest x-ray or a chest CT scan,
which are often done for other symptoms or reasons. Your doctor
must decide whether the nodule in your lung is probably benign
(not cancer). This is more likely if: Your doctor may then
choose to just watch the nodule on x-rays. Your doctor may
choose to biopsy the nodule to rule out cancer if: Skin tests to
rule out tuberculosis and other infections may also be done. Ask
your doctor about the risks of having a biopsy versus m