Question: “I was screened for lung cancer and my scan revealed ground glass nodules in my lungs. What are these and should I be concerned?”

Answer: Nodules are abnormal yet common spots that may show up on your lung cancer screening scan or other imaging tests. Some nodules may be cancerous and some may be benign.  

Evaluating Nodules 

When your healthcare team is evaluating your nodule(s), they are looking at its margins, density, size and consistency. When the nodule is solid, it is called a “solid nodule.” If it is hazy with no solid parts, it is called a “non-solid nodule” or ground glass nodule (GGN) because it looks like ground glass.  

What Causes Ground Glass Nodules? 

There are many potential causes of GGNs including infection, inflammation, benign growths and cancer. Some GGNs will disappear on their own, some will persist over time and some will turn into lung cancer. 

You Have Ground Glass Nodules – Now What? 

Your healthcare team will look at all your nodules’ specific features to create a follow-up plan. They may recommend additional imaging tests, a biopsy or continued monitoring of your nodules for changes. While the presence of GGNs don’t call for immediate concern, it’s important you adhere to your doctor’s directions for follow-up care.   

For more information about lung nodules, watch October 2022’s Lung Cancer Living Room, “Understanding Lung Nodules: Causes, Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatments” with Dr. Anthony Lanfranco. 

In each issue of Your Community, we will be answering your questions about lung cancer and/or GO2 programs and services, including questions about screening, treatment types and advancements, clinical trials, support services and the lung cancer community. Please email your questions to yourcommunity@go2.org.  

Please note that the information included in any published answer is for educational pursuit only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Nothing from GO2 for Lung Cancer should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion.