Establishing A Service Connection For Lung Nodules
As with all other disability benefits, a Veteran applying for benefits for their lung nodules must first show a direct service connection between the nodules in their lungs and their active military service. This involves three major steps:
Medical nexuses include air pollution especially if the Veteran was exposed to jet fuel or fumes combat injuries, or exposure to chemical pollutants or toxins.
Causes Of Lung Nodules
Many different diseases can lead to a lung nodule, and not all of them are life-threatening or even dangerous. They include:
Autoimmune diseases. Several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid lung disease and lupus, for example, can cause benign nodules on the lungs, according to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Nodules can be just one of many effects on the lungs, along with scarring and “pleural effusion,” which is commonly called water on the lungsan accumulation of fluid around the lining of the lungs.
Infections. An infection can cause lung nodules, even after the infection itself is gone. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reports that bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and fungal infections such as histoplasmosis can cause scarring that leads to nodules. Bacterial abscesses or a history of pneumonia or other lung disease can also result in the formation of a nodule.
Cancer. Cleveland Clinic notes that the types of malignant nodules include lymphoma, carcinoid and sarcoma. Growths can stem from primary lung cancer, meaning the lung was the first place the cancer appeared, or secondary lung cancer, meaning the cancer originated elsewhere in the body and spread to the lung.
- Fibromas, which are made up of fibrous connective tissue.
- Hamartomas, which are made up of normal tissue in an abnormal arrangement.
- Neurofibromas, which are made up of nerve tissue.
- Blastomas, which are made up of immature cells.
Treatment For A Cancerous Nodule
When a lung nodule is malignant, it is most often due to lung cancer, lymphoma, or cancer that has spread to the lung from another organ.
If biopsy results determine that the nodule is cancerous, treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. The doctor may also change the management methods during the treatment if the individual improves.
In some instances, a doctor may request the removal of a cancerous nodule using a thoracotomy. This is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes a cut through the chest wall into the lung to remove the nodule.
Additional treatment for cancerous lung nodules may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other surgical interventions.
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What Does Covid Do To Lungs
COVID-19 can cause lung complications such as pneumonia and, in the most severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS. , another possible complication of COVID-19, can also cause lasting harm to the lungs and other organs.
As we have learned more about SARS-CoV-2 and resulting COVID-19, we have discovered that in severe COVID-19, a significant pro-inflammatory condition can result in several critical diseases, complications and syndromes, Galiatsatos says.
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Is My Pulmonary Nodule Cancerous
While some pulmonary nodules are cancerous, the vast majority of them are not. . In fact, several studies suggest that only about 5 percent of pulmonary nodules found via CT scan turn out to be cancer the other 95% of the time, they are benign.
However, certain factors can increase the likelihood that your pulmonary nodule is cancerous. For instance, the risk of cancer is higher if the nodule is large, if you are over the age of 40, or you have a history of smoking.
Nodules found via chest x-ray also have a higher risk of being cancerous, simply because only larger pulmonary nodules show up on x-ray scans. X-ray technology is not as sensitive as a CT scan, meaning smaller pulmonary noduleswhich are more likely to be harmlessare much more likely to show up on a CT scan than a chest x-ray image.
Most of the time when someone is diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule, doctors recommend simple monitoring to see if the spot grows. That means taking additional scans of the lungsusually about six months apartand comparing the images to look for any changes.
If the nodule doesn’t get larger over time, then it’s likely that it is benign. In fact, there is usually no need to continue doing scans if the images show that the spot hasn’t grown for two full years.
Many people with COPD also have pulmonary nodules. However, the two conditions are not directly related COPD does not directly cause pulmonary nodules and pulmonary nodules do not cause COPD.
What Autoimmune Disease Causes Lung Nodules
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Autoimmune conditions that commonly affect the lungs include: Lupus, which causes inflammation in different parts of your body, such as the skin, heart, and lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation in your joints. Scleroderma, which causes your skin to harden and tighten.
Secondly, what is the most common cause of multiple nodules in lung? The aetiology of multiple pulmonary nodules is quite complex, with metastatic disease being the most common cause. Other possibilities include sarcoidosis or an inflammatory process, such as fungus, tuberculosis, nocardiosis or septic emboli.
Herein, can autoimmune disease cause lung nodules?
With an autoimmune disease, a person’s own immune system attacks the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that can impair lung function and breathing. Patients with autoimmune disease may also present with bronchiectasis and lung nodules.
Is Pulmonary Fibrosis an auto immune disease?
This is known as autoimmune disease. When your immune system attacks your body’s own connective tissues, they scar. If autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens syndrome and scleroderma, affect your lungs, they can cause pulmonary fibrosis.
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Va Disability Rating For Lung Nodules 2021
Berry LawDisability Ratings
Lung nodules sound scary, but many people dont know they have them until they get a chest x-ray. Because nodules count as any spot on the lungs that develops for mysterious reasons, many Veterans have lung nodules but later have difficulty acquiring disability benefits for these growths.
Lets break down everything you need to know about lung nodules, VA disability benefits for lung nodules, and how to acquire maximum benefits with legal assistance.
Symptoms Of A Pulmonary Nodule
Pulmonary nodules dont cause symptoms. You may have a nodule on your lungs for years and never know it.
If a spot on your lungs is cancerous, you may have symptoms related to the specific type of cancer. For example, growths caused by lung cancer may cause a persistent cough or breathing difficulties.
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Diagnosis For Lung Cancer
If your doctor believes a pulmonary nodule is cancerous, they may order more tests. Diagnostic testing used to confirm or rule out cancer includes:
- Positron emission tomography scan:These imaging tests use radioactive glucose molecules to determine if the cells that make up the nodule are dividing rapidly.
- Biopsy: Your doctor may order a biopsy, especially if the results of the PET scan are inconclusive. During this procedure, a tissue sample is removed from the nodule. Its then examined for cancer cells using a microscope.
Sometimes this is done by a needle biopsy thats inserted near the edge of your lung through the chest wall. Another option is a bronchoscopy where your doctor inserts a scope through the mouth or nose and passes it through your large airways to collect cells.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What is the best plan of action for me?
- Do I need a biopsy?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Lung nodules are fairly common and usually arent cause for concern. Still, it can be alarming to learn that you have a spot on your lung. Fortunately, the majority of lung nodules arent a sign of lung cancer. A noncancerous condition causes the abnormal growth. Most benign lung nodules dont need treatment. If a nodule is cancerous, your healthcare provider can discuss next steps.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/28/2021.
References
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Treatment For Benign Pulmonary Nodules
If your doctor confirms that your pulmonary nodule is benign, then you probably won’t need any further treatment. However, you might need medication if your nodule is the result of a current infection.
If an inflammatory disease is the cause of your pulmonary nodule, then you may need treatment to get the underlying condition under control. For example, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in your lungs.
Bronchiectasis And Bronchial Dilatation
Studies of HRCT images in asthma consistently reveal the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma but not allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis . In ABPA, bronchiectasis often is considered part of the definition of the disease. Dilated airways may take the form of cylindrical, varicose, or cystic bronchiectasis. Park et al observed bronchial dilatation in 31% of patients with asthma versus 7% of control subjects. The authors measured bronchoarterial ratios but did not find a statistically significant difference between the groups.
Lynch et al showed that dilated bronchi, defined as bronchi that are larger than accompanying arteries in which the tapering pattern is not lost, were observed in 59% of the control subjects, as compared to 77% of the patients with asthma. Other researchers found no or few such features in control subjects. A decreased arterial diameter with hypoventilation and hypoxic vasoconstriction, a sectioning artifact near the branching arteries and bronchi, a bronchodilator effect on medium-sized airways, and subclinical ABPA are potential explanations for the unexpectedly high percentage of findings in control subjects.
In a study by Lo et al of 30 children with difficult-to-treat asthma, abnormal CT findings were highly prevalent in a cohort of children with severe asthma, with bronchiectasis identified in approximately 27%. Bronchial wall thickening was observed in 80%, and air trapping in 60%.
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Complex Lung Function Including Feno Tests Of Respiratory Muscle Strength
Complex lung function provides a comprehensive understanding of lung function and incorporates spirometry but also measures lung size and reserve. The diffusing capacity of the lung is another vital unit of measurement and gives an appreciation of how the lung can perform gas exchange.
Asthma is often driven by exposure to allergens . The cells in the lung make a chemical called nitric oxide when stimulated by allergens. This can be measured with a FeNO test which also allows monitoring response to treatment.
Respiratory muscle testing may be performed to understand the function of the diaphragm.
Continue To Seek Follow
Regardless of the size of your lung nodule, your doctor will create a plan to monitor how your lung nodule evolves. Most patients with lung nodules will schedule periodic follow-up appointments at 3-, 6-, or 12-month intervals to see if the lung nodule grows or changes over time. This ensures your care team can catch any signs of lung cancer earlyor provide peace of mind that you dont have cancer.
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What Causes Benign Nodules
Benign pulmonary nodules can be caused by various things. Some of the causes include:
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. This is usually an old infection that is no longer active, but it can sometimes be a current, active infection.
A benign mass of tissue.
Inflammation from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Abnormal blood vessels in the lungs.
An unexpected cause of lung nodules in Marshall County is the close proximity to where ducks and geese livelike Lake Guntersville.
Histoplasmosis, an infection that often causes lung nodules, is caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings.
Histoplasmosis causes flu-like symptoms, including fever and cough. The body fights off the infection leaving scar tissue, which later shows up on an x-ray or CT scan as a lung nodule.
Ive had to hospitalize several people for histoplasmosis, Dr. Manganaris says. Its rare less than 5 percent of people can’t fight it off and require hospitalization and treatment.
Dr. Manganaris estimates he sees about 10 cases a year of histoplasmosis in the hospital or clinic.
Testing Pulmonary Nodules For Cancer
If your doctor suspects that your pulmonary nodule is cancerous, then he will order a biopsy of the spot. That means taking a small sample of the tissue to analyze it more thoroughly for signs of cancer.
There are three main ways to do this: by inserting a needle through the chest wall, by performing chest surgery, and by using a bronchoscope. A bronchoscope is the least invasive method, and it works by inserting a scope down the throat and into the airways to take the sample directly in the lungs.
Once they get the tissue sample from the lung nodule, an expert will then take a closer look at the tissue to look for signs of cancer. Even if the nodule appears to be benign, your doctor might decide to monitor it for awhile just to be sure. If it is cancerous, then your doctor will refer you to an oncologist who will put together a full cancer treatment plan.
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Where Can I Get The Spot On My Lung Evaluated In Nyc
Dr. Bowen is an experienced pulmonologist known for his compassionate care, reassuring bedside manner, and for the wide range of diagnostic testing options available in-office.
Hell evaluate your condition and determine what tests may need to be performed in order to secure an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Bowen will provide you with an explanation of your condition in terms that are simple and easy to understand.
His goal is to minimize the anxiety and stress associated with this entire process.
If youve received an abnormal chest X-ray or radiographic study and need to see a pulmonary specialist, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
You can also get started by making an appointment through our ZocDoc page or our Patient Portal .
Reducing Lung Cancer Risk With Asthma
A nationwide study of over 37,000 people with asthma suggests that controlling inflammation with the disease may indeed lower lung cancer risk.
In this 2018 study, it was found that people with asthma who used inhaled corticosteroids on a regular basis were, on average, 58% less likely to develop lung cancer.
In this 2018 study, it was found that people with asthma who used inhaled corticosteroids on a regular basis were, on average, 58% less likely to develop lung cancer.
Certainly, this potential benefit of inhaled corticosteroids needs to be weighed against the risks and side effects of steroid inhalers, such as easy bruising and more. Whether or not controlling your asthma makes a significant difference, however, is only one concern. Even if these inhalers don’t make a difference with regard to lung cancer risk, living with asthma that is under control is simply a happier way to live.
If you have asthma and are worried about the potential risk of lung cancer, there are several things you can do to lower your risk.
- Don’t smoke
- Check your home for radon
- Avoid secondhand smoke
- Practice caution with chemicals you are exposed to at work and at home
- Know your risk factors
- Undergo CT lung cancer screening if you quality
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Pulmonary Nodules And Lung Lesions
A solitary pulmonary nodule or spot on the lung is defined as a discrete, well-defined, rounded opacity less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter that is completely surrounded by lung tissue, does not touch the root of the lung or mediastinum, and is not associated with enlarged lymph nodes, collapsed lung, or pleural effusion.
A pulmonary nodule can be benign or cancerous. Lesions larger than 3 cm are considered masses and are treated as cancerous until proven otherwise.
Lung nodules are quite common and are found on one in 500 chest X-rays and one in 100 CT scans of the chest. Lung nodules are being recognized more frequently with the wider application of CT screening for lung cancer. Roughly half of people who smoke over the age of 50 will have nodules on a CT scan of their chest.
The thoracic surgeons and interventional pulmonologists at UTSouthwestern Medical Center perform leading-edge procedures to evaluate and treat pulmonary nodules and various lung lesions including bronchoscopic procedures, image-guided sampling, conventional surgical procedures, and more advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques.
We feature the latest imaging techniques and treatments through our advanced imaging center, including endobronchial ultrasound , electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy , and many other techniques.