For many people, receiving the news that a routine CT scan or X-ray shows a nodule on your lungs is terrifying. But before you jump to conclusions, you will want to talk to your doctor about what the presence of an abnormality means. Dr. Eric Singhi, a thoracic medical oncologist in Houston, Texas and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, wants you to take a deep breath and remember that not every nodule is cancer, but being vigilant can make the difference if the spot turns out to be malignant.
How to Avoid “Scanxiety”
It is ok and very understandable to be anxious before and after a scan. Uncertainty is a major cause of anxiety for many people, and waiting for results can be uneasy. “I usually tell patients, that you don't need all the answers today. But what you do need is a plan so you can work with your team step by step to address any issue,” Dr. Singhi explained. “Most importantly, know you’re not alone.”
Dr. Singhi believes in giving patients a very clear plan, providing them with a timeline for completing each step, and providing patient-friendly materials that are easy to read and comprehend. The timeline will depend on what they find, and the resources that are available at the clinic or doctor’s office, but it is important to have a plan in place. “I tell patients to write down questions or bring family members to make sure they get what they need out of each conversation,” Dr. Singhi said. “Most importantly, I tell them they are not alone.”
Dr. Singhi knows that one of the biggest barriers for patients is understanding the medical jargon that is sometimes used to talk about their condition. That is why he believes in using clear, patient-friendly language routinely to help build trust. “I think it is really important to make sure the patient feels heard and respected and that information is communicated in a way that they understand. So that may mean using a medical interpreter or translated material if there is a language barrier, or being culturally sensitive, using any resources to make sure the patient understands what is happening.”
Knowing When it’s Time to Consider Treatment
To determine if the nodule is worrisome, your doctor will need to analyze the size, shape and location. Additionally, they will want to note any spread outside the primary area and consider your clinical history. “If there are any concerns, we need to work that up. That can mean taking a biopsy, or sample of the tissue so that we can truly understand its nature. It can also mean getting additional imaging like a PET scan to see if the nodule is active,” Dr Singhi explained.
“Let's say a nodule is small and it hasn't really changed on the last few scans. We might favor monitoring that and following up with scans to make sure that it is not changing or evolving,” he continued. “But if it's growing or if it looks more suspicious, we often will recommend pursuing a biopsy, sometimes even meeting a surgeon to discuss options.”
Why You Can’t Avoid Screening
Though it may be nerve wracking, getting screened is the best way to find lung cancer early because there are often little to no symptoms until the disease has become advanced. The earlier the cancer is caught, the more likely it can be treated or even cured. “Survival rates for stage I lung cancer are significantly higher than for stage IV lung cancer which is why getting a low-dose CT scan is so important, it saves lives,” said Dr. Singhi. Unfortunately, many people who are eligible for a low-dose CT scan are not getting this life-saving test. “We need desperately to get more people screened because that is the opportunity to find cancer early when we can provide the best care for patients.”
To learn more about lung nodules, consult our lung nodule follow-up guidelines.
Support for this educational initiative is provided by Olympus.
Blog last updated: October 14, 2025
