Can benign lung nodules cause symptoms?

[Jlcwonderboy]

How likely is it that benign nodules cause symptoms such as a cough and chest pain? My mum has had some nodules appear on an X-ray (CT scan to take place on Monday) and has for some time had a bad cough and pain in her chest when she does so.

From reading online it suggests that benign nodules don’t usually cause such symptoms and that therefore the nodules we see are likely to be something more sinister. Is this true? Has anyone on here had benign nodules that have caused such symptoms?

Thanks in advance

[JanetteR57]

Many people have benign lung nodules in the same way that many people have moles on their skin. A few people with moles will develop skin cancer and some lung nodules may develop hence the need for surveillance. However I'm unsure whether people who have moles or melanoma worry each time their skin itches that it's related to their mole but for some reason most of us whenever we have a cough or breathlessness or chest pain automatically assume it is something more sinister? It's natural but in the same way most of us have had coughs and chest infections and other aches and pains throughout our life before knowing about the nodules' presence or diagnosis of something more serious, we are also very likely to develop and contract conditions in future. Most will have no links whatsoever with the original scan or condition. Many lung cancer patients are asymptomatic and the condition is detected by scans for something else that identifies the issue so the fact that you mum has known nodules means likely more monitoring. If she has a CT scan on Monday, probably best to stay away from the internet for the weekend unless you want to worry yourself silly. Most of the information is inaccurate and out of date. Better to face whatever the CT shows (which will be more detailed than the chest x-ray) to deal with the 'what is' rather than fret about the 'what if.' As somebody who had half my lung removed for a lung cancer diagnosis 9 years ago and had a plethora of chest infections since 2015 many of which have hospitalised me - so far none has turned out to be related to the cancer but serious in their own right (pneumonia, pseudomonas, RSV). Prolonged coughing can strain muscles and nerves in our chest and inflammation of the pleura (lung lining) can also lead to pain as can infection. I'm guessing the investigations for your mum's cough and pain have led to the chest x-ray and CT appointments so this is the correct cause of action for her symptoms. hope you can help reduce her anxiety in the meantime. good luck and hope she gets some answers and appropriate treatment soon.

[Jlcwonderboy in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you for such a kind, detailed and considered reply. I really appreciate it

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Jlcwonderboy

Welcome to the forum, where as you can see from JanetteR57's reply you will find support and encouragement.

There is not much to add to JanetteR57 reply which is accurate and concise. It is only natural that we worry and are anxious until you hear otherwise.

The report from the CT scan today may be sent to your Mum's GP, perhaps have an appointment ready to find out the results.

If there is anything you wish to discuss you can either email us at [e-mail] or you can call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team