Lung Nodules Explained: What Happens After the Scan?

Understanding the next steps in your lung health journey — with advanced options for early, accurate answers

It’s a moment that can leave you with more questions than answers: your doctor orders a chest scan — maybe after a lingering cough, maybe as part of a routine screening — and it reveals a small spot on your lung.

Before panic sets in, take a breath.

Lung nodules are surprisingly common, and most of them are not cancerous. But that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. At The Respire Institute, we combine compassionate care with cutting-edge diagnostics — including ION robotic bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive technology that allows our team to detect and evaluate lung nodules earlier, faster, and with less risk to you.

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What is a Lung Nodule?

A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue in the lungs, usually less than 3 cm in size. Often found during imaging tests like a chest X-ray or low-dose CT scan, they can appear for many reasons — the majority of which are benign.

Common causes include:

• Prior infections (like tuberculosis or histoplasmosis)
• Scar tissue from inflammation or trauma
• Non-cancerous growths
• In rare cases, early-stage lung cancer

I Have a Lung Nodule — Now What?

That first scan is just the start of your evaluation. What happens next depends on the size, shape, and location of the nodule — as well as your risk factors and medical history.

1. Expert Imaging Review and Risk Assessment

At The Respire Institute, your scan is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonary specialists and radiologists. We look at:

• Size and shape
• Growth patterns
• Risk factors like age, smoking history, or exposure to environmental toxins

We follow evidence-based protocols and tailor our care plan to you.

2. Follow-Up Imaging or PET Scans

For low-risk nodules, follow-up imaging may be the next best step. Repeat scans at 3, 6, or 12 months can track any changes. If your nodule is metabolically active or growing, further testing will be recommended.

3. Advanced Diagnostic Testing with ION Robotic Bronchoscopy

When a closer look is needed, many clinics turn to traditional biopsies or surgical procedures — but at The Respire Institute, we offer something better.

ION robotic bronchoscopy is a game-changer in early lung cancer detection, and we are proud to be one of the only centers outside the Texas Medical Center offering this technology.

Under the direction of Dr. Waheed, a board-certified pulmonologist with specialized training in advanced bronchoscopy, our ION program allows us to:

• Navigate deep into the lungs with precision
• Reach nodules that were previously too small or too risky to biopsy
• Minimize infection risk, bleeding, and recovery time
• Get faster, more accurate results
• Provide peace of mind — without major surgery

Meet Dr. Waheed and see an example of the ION Bronchoscopy machine, HERE.

Why this matters:
Studies show that robotic-assisted bronchoscopy offers significantly higher diagnostic yield compared to traditional techniques, especially for nodules smaller than 2 cm and those in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs (Rivera et al., CHEST Journal, 2023).

4. If Needed: Biopsy or Surgical Referral

Should additional testing be required, our team coordinates all next steps — from CT-guided biopsies to thoracic surgery consultations — while continuing to serve as your central point of support.

What If It’s Cancer?

Catching a cancerous nodule early can make all the difference. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer found at Stage 1 has a 5-year survival rate of over 60% — compared to less than 10% when caught in advanced stages.

That’s why we invest in the most advanced tools and the shortest possible timeline for answers.

The Respire Institute Difference

When it comes to lung nodules, we believe patients deserve more than just a wait-and-see approach. Our Lung Nodule Evaluation Program offers:

Access to ION robotic bronchoscopy led by Dr. Waheed
Quicker turnaround times for diagnosis
Lower risk and less downtime than traditional biopsy
Transparent communication with patients and referring physicians
A multidisciplinary care team focused on early detection and optimal outcomes

For many patients, we’re able to deliver diagnosis, follow-up, and personalized care plans all within the same system — no waiting, no bouncing between facilities, no getting lost in the shuffle.

When to Take Action

If a scan recently revealed a lung nodule — and especially if you have risk factors like:

• Age 50+
• History of smoking
• Unexplained symptoms (persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue)
• Family history of lung cancer

…don’t wait. Early evaluation is key to peace of mind and long-term health.

Final Thoughts: Clarity Starts Here

Being told you have a lung nodule can be scary — but the right information, early testing, and innovative care can shift the entire experience.

At The Respire Institute, we’re proud to offer one of the most advanced and patient-centered approaches to lung nodule evaluation in the region.

And it all starts with a scan, a conversation, and a commitment to better breathing.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Ask your doctor for a referral to The Respire Institute or call our office directly to schedule a consultation.

Faster answers. Lower risk. More peace of mind.