Nodular

Nodular

Nodular refers to a type of lesion or growth that is characterized by a small, rounded mass or lump. Nodules can occur in various tissues and organs of the body and can be benign or malignant. They are often detected through physical examination or imaging studies and may require further investigation to determine their nature.

Characteristics

Nodules are typically defined by their size, shape, and consistency. They can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Nodules may be:

• Solid: Composed of dense tissue.
• Cystic: Containing fluid or semi-fluid material.
• Mixed: Having both solid and cystic components.

Nodules can be found in various parts of the body, including the skin, thyroid gland, lungs, and liver.

Common Types of Nodules

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that commonly occur within an otherwise normal thyroid gland. They are often discovered during routine physical exams or imaging studies. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but a small percentage can be cancerous.

Pulmonary Nodules

Pulmonary nodules are small, round growths in the lung. They are often found incidentally on chest X-rays or CT scans. While most are benign, they can sometimes indicate early lung cancer.

Skin Nodules

Skin nodules can appear as raised bumps on the skin. They may be caused by infections, inflammation, or tumors. Common examples include lipomas and dermatofibromas.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of nodules often involves a combination of:

• Physical Examination: Palpation to assess size, consistency, and mobility.
• Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to evaluate the internal structure.
• Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy to obtain tissue samples for histological examination.

Management

The management of nodules depends on their location, size, and nature. Options include:

• Observation: Monitoring benign nodules for changes over time.
• Surgical Removal: Indicated for symptomatic or suspicious nodules.
• Medical Treatment: For nodules caused by infections or inflammatory conditions.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with nodules varies widely based on the underlying cause. Benign nodules generally have an excellent prognosis, while malignant nodules require prompt treatment to improve outcomes.

Also see

• Thyroid nodule
• Pulmonary nodule
• Skin nodule
• Benign tumor
• Malignant tumor

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Nodular for any updates.

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