The Role of CT in Diagnosing Lung Nodules and What They Mean
2 December 2025
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Hearing the words “lung nodule” can be unsettling. Your mind might leap to worst-case scenarios. But here’s the fortunate truth—lung nodules are more common than most people realize, and not all of them are dangerous. You do need to know they’re there, though, and the most reliable way to find them is through a CT lung scan.

What Exactly Is a Lung Nodule?

Think of a lung nodule as a small, round spot in the lung—usually just a few millimeters in size—that shows up on imaging. They can be caused by a variety of things: old infections, scar tissue, inflammation, or, in some cases, early-stage cancer.


The problem? You can’t feel them. They don’t cause symptoms in their early stages. Which means they can go undetected for years—unless you have a scan that’s detailed enough to see them.

Why CT Is the Gold StandardWith a Heart CT Scan: The Process

A chest X-ray might miss small nodules. A CT scan won’t. CT imaging creates highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your lungs, allowing radiologists to see nodules as small as a few millimeters. Our scans take only 5–8 minutes, but they provide a wealth of information your physician can use. With CT, we can:


  • Detect lung nodules early—before they cause symptoms.
  • Measure their size and track changes over time.
  • Identify characteristics that may suggest whether they’re benign or potentially cancerous.
  • Help guide next steps for follow-up or treatment.

What a Lung Nodule Means for You

Most lung nodules are benign—especially in non-smokers or people without a history of cancer. In fact, according to the American Thoracic Society, fewer than 5% of nodules found in screening turn out to be malignant.


But if a nodule is cancerous, catching it early can make all the difference. Lung cancer detected in its earliest stages has far better treatment outcomes—and sometimes can even be cured with surgery alone.

A Complement to Your Care

Life Guard Imaging isn’t here to replace your primary care provider or pulmonologist. We’re here to complement their work by serving as your first line of defense. Once we identify and measure a nodule, you’ll have clear, detailed results you can take directly to your doctor for next steps. We believe that knowledge is power. In this case, it’s also peace of mind.

Protect Your Lungs and Your Peace of Mind—Schedule Your Scan Today

Your lungs have a story to tell. Let’s read it early. Call Life Guard Imaging of Tampa at (813) 576-3526 to schedule your CT scan today and take a proactive step toward protecting your future health.

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