Solitary Pulmonary Nodule (SPN)

A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a small, round or oval spot in the lung, usually less than 3 centimeters across, found incidentally on chest imaging like a CT scan. These nodules can be benign (non-cancerous), such as a scar or infection, or malignant (cancerous). Most SPNs are harmless, but some require further testing to determine their nature. Factors influencing risk include size, appearance, growth over time, and patient history. Proper evaluation ensures that suspicious nodules are diagnosed accurately and managed appropriately, minimizing unnecessary procedures while catching potential cancers early.