Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTypesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Types
Diagnosis
Treatment
A nodule is a growth or lump that develops on or within the body. For example, it can develop beneath the skin,in the lungs, or on glands such as the thyroid. When a health condition presents with nodules, it is considered nodularity.
Nodules are incredibly common and can becancerous (malignant) or benign (non-cancerous). This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and types of nodules a person can develop throughout their lifetime.
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Nodule Symptoms
A nodule is a symptom in and of itself, and its main feature is that it’s firm to the touch. Other than the lump, a person may experience no symptoms at all.
Other signs of a nodule will depend on where it is located. For example:
Determining if there is a nodule within the body without other symptoms is sometimes difficult. They often appear during routine physical exams or screening tests.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderBecause many nodules can go undetected, paying attention to your overall health is essential. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any worrisome symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, a new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath. They will conduct the appropriate tests to determine if a nodule is present and whether it is causing symptoms. If you have noticed any new growth on or in your body, you must also see your healthcare provider regardless of symptoms.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Because many nodules can go undetected, paying attention to your overall health is essential. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any worrisome symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, a new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath. They will conduct the appropriate tests to determine if a nodule is present and whether it is causing symptoms. If you have noticed any new growth on or in your body, you must also see your healthcare provider regardless of symptoms.
Nodule Causes
There are many reasons why a nodule might form, including the following:
Are Nodules Always Serious?
Lumps on Your Neck
Types of Nodules
Various types of nodules can develop within the body or underneath the skin. Types include:
Lymph Node Nodules
Lymph nodesare small structures that help to filter substances in the body and help send white blood cells where they need to go to fight infection. When they are helping the body fight off an illness, they temporarily grow.
They appear as nodules under the armpit, groin, and around the neck when enlarged. Lymph nodules can also form in the intestines and tonsils.They can be both cancerous and non-cancerous.
Vocal Cord Nodules
Vocal cord nodulesform when a person strains their voice from overuse. When a person develops one, they can experience:
They are typically non-cancerous and often go away independently when a person rests their voice.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules form in the thyroid because of inflammation, a tumor, or an overgrowth of thyroid tissue. People with thyroid nodules may experience pain or discomfort while swallowing or feel pressure on their thyroid area.
Lung Nodules
Lung nodules, also called pulmonary nodules, rarely present with symptoms unless a person has advancedlung cancer. They are typically found during screening tests for people at a higher risk of developing nodules or masses in the lungs, such as heavy lifelong smokers.
Cancerous vs. Non-Cancerous Lung NodulesThough many lung nodules are benign, as much as 40% turn out to be cancerous.
Cancerous vs. Non-Cancerous Lung Nodules
Though many lung nodules are benign, as much as 40% turn out to be cancerous.
Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
Abdominal Nodules
An abdominal nodule can form within the digestive tract or in areas outside the intestines. There are many reasons a nodule would develop in this area of the body, includinggastritis.
Skin Nodules
Skin nodulescan develop anywhere on the body and are found in the second or third layer of skin, known as the dermal or subcutaneous layers, respectively. They develop for many reasons, including infection, inflammatory skin disorders, and cancer.
More Nodule TypesNodules can form anywhere in the body, so the above list is not exhaustive. Other types include:Endometrial nodulesCervical nodulesHeart nodulesRheumatoid nodules
More Nodule Types
Nodules can form anywhere in the body, so the above list is not exhaustive. Other types include:Endometrial nodulesCervical nodulesHeart nodulesRheumatoid nodules
Nodules can form anywhere in the body, so the above list is not exhaustive. Other types include:
What Is Nodular Melanoma?
To diagnose the cause of a nodule, your healthcare provider will physically examine the growth.
If they find it during acomputed tomography scan (CT scan)or other scans, they will likely conduct other tests such as an ultrasound or more imaging. To determine if the nodule is cancerous, they must remove it and send it in for laboratory testing.
The type of nodule will determine the extent of testing needed. For example, a skin nodule can be sampled easily with askin biopsy, which removes a portion of the suspicious bump or tissue for microscopic testing. One that’s found in the lungs is often harder to get to and requires minimally invasive surgery.
The Wait-and-See MethodSometimes, a discovered nodule may be left alone. This is called the wait-and-see method. Healthcare providers will book routine tests to see if the nodule grows over time or develops new features. This can be a good indicator of whether it is cancerous or needs further testing.
The Wait-and-See Method
Sometimes, a discovered nodule may be left alone. This is called the wait-and-see method. Healthcare providers will book routine tests to see if the nodule grows over time or develops new features. This can be a good indicator of whether it is cancerous or needs further testing.
Treating nodules isn’t always straightforward. As mentioned above, they may be left untreated for observation before a medical provider decides to pursue further testing and therapies. That is because they do not always develop into cancer or pose a health threat.
If a nodule is cancerous or harmful, surgery can remove it. The type of surgery will depend on where it is in the body. Most often,laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgery that makes small incisions, will remove the nodules. This technique can also remove endometrial nodules, which develop within theendometrial tissuein the uterus.
Other possible treatment options for cancerous nodules includechemotherapyand radiation.
The Right TreatmentHealthcare providers will determine what type of nodule you have before choosing the proper treatment. Knowing the type will make all the difference in figuring out the appropriate therapy technique.
The Right Treatment
Healthcare providers will determine what type of nodule you have before choosing the proper treatment. Knowing the type will make all the difference in figuring out the appropriate therapy technique.
Summary
Nodules are growths of tissue that can be both cancerous and non-cancerous. They can develop anywhere in the body and do not always come with symptoms. In many cases, a nodule is entirely harmless and requires no treatment. Before determining that, a healthcare provider will conduct various tests, including imaging scans and a biopsy, to ensure that it is not cancerous or harmful and can be left alone.
If a nodule does need to be removed because it is cancerous or is causing other health issues, medical providers opt for the least invasive surgery possible. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation may prove necessary if a nodule is cancerous. Not all nodules are something to worry about, but you should also see a healthcare provider if you notice a new growth.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Popoveniuc G, Jonklaas J.Thyroid nodules.Med Clin North Am.2012;96(2):329-349. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2012.02.002Ussavarungsi K, Khoor A, Jolles HI, Mira-Avendano I.A 40-year-old woman with multiple pulmonary nodules.Chest.2014;146(6):e198-e203. doi:10.1378/chest.14-0796Shi J.Unusual gastric nodules.Gastroenterology.2016;151(3):e13-e14. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.04.044Bartholmai BJ, Koo CW, Johnson GB, et al.Pulmonary nodule characterization, including computer analysis and quantitative features.J Thorac Imaging.2015;30(2):139-156. doi:10.1097/RTI.0000000000000137Handler NS, Handler MZ, Rubins A, et al.Milker’s nodule: An occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2018;32(4):537-541. doi:10.1111/jdv.14687Cedars-Sinai.Thyroid nodules.Lou X, Wang X, Wang Z, et al.The effect of iodine status on the risk of thyroid nodules: A cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China.Int J Endocrinol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1155/2020/3760375American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Idiopathic nodular panniculitis.InformedHealth.org.Vocal nodules: Overview.University of Rochester Medical Center.Pulmonary nodules.Ballester-Martínez MA, González-García C, Fleta-Asín B, et al.Cutaneous nodules as a diagnostic clue in multiple myeloma.Am J Dermatopathol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1097/DAD.0b013e3182726e79American Cancer Society.Lung nodules.Malzoni M, Coppola M, Rasile M, et al.Laparoscopic technique for discoid resection of rectal endometriotic nodules.J Minim Invasive Gynecol.2021;28(1):16-17. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2020.05.016
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Popoveniuc G, Jonklaas J.Thyroid nodules.Med Clin North Am.2012;96(2):329-349. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2012.02.002Ussavarungsi K, Khoor A, Jolles HI, Mira-Avendano I.A 40-year-old woman with multiple pulmonary nodules.Chest.2014;146(6):e198-e203. doi:10.1378/chest.14-0796Shi J.Unusual gastric nodules.Gastroenterology.2016;151(3):e13-e14. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.04.044Bartholmai BJ, Koo CW, Johnson GB, et al.Pulmonary nodule characterization, including computer analysis and quantitative features.J Thorac Imaging.2015;30(2):139-156. doi:10.1097/RTI.0000000000000137Handler NS, Handler MZ, Rubins A, et al.Milker’s nodule: An occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2018;32(4):537-541. doi:10.1111/jdv.14687Cedars-Sinai.Thyroid nodules.Lou X, Wang X, Wang Z, et al.The effect of iodine status on the risk of thyroid nodules: A cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China.Int J Endocrinol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1155/2020/3760375American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Idiopathic nodular panniculitis.InformedHealth.org.Vocal nodules: Overview.University of Rochester Medical Center.Pulmonary nodules.Ballester-Martínez MA, González-García C, Fleta-Asín B, et al.Cutaneous nodules as a diagnostic clue in multiple myeloma.Am J Dermatopathol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1097/DAD.0b013e3182726e79American Cancer Society.Lung nodules.Malzoni M, Coppola M, Rasile M, et al.Laparoscopic technique for discoid resection of rectal endometriotic nodules.J Minim Invasive Gynecol.2021;28(1):16-17. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2020.05.016
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Popoveniuc G, Jonklaas J.Thyroid nodules.Med Clin North Am.2012;96(2):329-349. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2012.02.002Ussavarungsi K, Khoor A, Jolles HI, Mira-Avendano I.A 40-year-old woman with multiple pulmonary nodules.Chest.2014;146(6):e198-e203. doi:10.1378/chest.14-0796Shi J.Unusual gastric nodules.Gastroenterology.2016;151(3):e13-e14. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.04.044Bartholmai BJ, Koo CW, Johnson GB, et al.Pulmonary nodule characterization, including computer analysis and quantitative features.J Thorac Imaging.2015;30(2):139-156. doi:10.1097/RTI.0000000000000137Handler NS, Handler MZ, Rubins A, et al.Milker’s nodule: An occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2018;32(4):537-541. doi:10.1111/jdv.14687Cedars-Sinai.Thyroid nodules.Lou X, Wang X, Wang Z, et al.The effect of iodine status on the risk of thyroid nodules: A cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China.Int J Endocrinol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1155/2020/3760375American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Idiopathic nodular panniculitis.InformedHealth.org.Vocal nodules: Overview.University of Rochester Medical Center.Pulmonary nodules.Ballester-Martínez MA, González-García C, Fleta-Asín B, et al.Cutaneous nodules as a diagnostic clue in multiple myeloma.Am J Dermatopathol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1097/DAD.0b013e3182726e79American Cancer Society.Lung nodules.Malzoni M, Coppola M, Rasile M, et al.Laparoscopic technique for discoid resection of rectal endometriotic nodules.J Minim Invasive Gynecol.2021;28(1):16-17. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2020.05.016
Popoveniuc G, Jonklaas J.Thyroid nodules.Med Clin North Am.2012;96(2):329-349. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2012.02.002
Ussavarungsi K, Khoor A, Jolles HI, Mira-Avendano I.A 40-year-old woman with multiple pulmonary nodules.Chest.2014;146(6):e198-e203. doi:10.1378/chest.14-0796
Shi J.Unusual gastric nodules.Gastroenterology.2016;151(3):e13-e14. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.04.044
Bartholmai BJ, Koo CW, Johnson GB, et al.Pulmonary nodule characterization, including computer analysis and quantitative features.J Thorac Imaging.2015;30(2):139-156. doi:10.1097/RTI.0000000000000137
Handler NS, Handler MZ, Rubins A, et al.Milker’s nodule: An occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2018;32(4):537-541. doi:10.1111/jdv.14687
Cedars-Sinai.Thyroid nodules.
Lou X, Wang X, Wang Z, et al.The effect of iodine status on the risk of thyroid nodules: A cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China.Int J Endocrinol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1155/2020/3760375
American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Idiopathic nodular panniculitis.
InformedHealth.org.Vocal nodules: Overview.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Pulmonary nodules.
Ballester-Martínez MA, González-García C, Fleta-Asín B, et al.Cutaneous nodules as a diagnostic clue in multiple myeloma.Am J Dermatopathol.2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1097/DAD.0b013e3182726e79
American Cancer Society.Lung nodules.
Malzoni M, Coppola M, Rasile M, et al.Laparoscopic technique for discoid resection of rectal endometriotic nodules.J Minim Invasive Gynecol.2021;28(1):16-17. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2020.05.016
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