Lung Mass
A lung mass is an abnormal growth or area in the lungs that is more than 3 centimeters in diameter. Anything smaller than this is classified as a lung nodule. Lung masses can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In most cases, lung masses are cancerous. The primary goal of your doctor is ensure that your lung mass is not malignant.
Causes of Lung Masses
Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes most lung masses. However, other conditions, traits or habits may also play a role in raising your risk. These conditions are known as risk factors and include:
Non-modifiable risk factors: These factors are irreversible and cannot be changed. The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing this disease.
- Family history/Genetics
Modifiable risk factors: These factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications or lifestyle changes.
- Long history of cigarette smoking and/or drug abuse
Other conditions that contribute to the development of lung masses:
- Benign tumor growth, the most common of which is a hamartoma
- Certain lung infections (i.e. bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, among others).
- Pulmonary artery aneurysms
- Amyloidosis: abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in your organs and interferes with their normal function.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Lipoid pneumonia: rare condition that occurs when fat particles enter the lungs.
Symptoms of Lung Masses
Lung masses typically do not cause any symptoms, and they’re often found accidentally on an imaging test. If they do cause symptoms, they can cause:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing for a long time
- Unexpected weight loss
- Back pain
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
- Chest pain
Diagnosis of Lung Masses
Lung masses do not usually cause any symptoms, so it’s unlikely a patient will realize they have one unless it is found in an imaging test. Some of the most common tests include:
Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Chest x-rays
- Computed Tomography (CT scans)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positon-emission tomography (PET)
- Bronchoscopy
- Tissue biopsy
Treatment of Lung Masses
Lung masses do not usually require treatment. So long as the mass is not interfering with lung function or showing any signs of cancer, it can usually be left alone. If it does interfere, the mass needs to be removed. Some treatment options include lifestyle changes, and medical and surgical procedures.
Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid smoking
- Test your home for radon
- Avoid carcinogens at work
- Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests
Medical and Surgical Procedures
To contact one of New Jersey’s best lung and thoracic cancer specialists call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
