What Diseases Could a Lung Mass Indicate?

Question

A patient was found to have two lung masses during a routine physical examination prior to hernia surgery, detected through X-ray and CT scans. What diseases could these lung masses indicate in this situation?

Answer

A lung mass refers to a circular shadow with a diameter over three centimeters and clearer edges, which is a common manifestation of lung lesions. The causes of lung masses are diverse, ranging from the mildest diseases, such as inflammatory encapsulated masses. These conditions usually arise from inflammation in the patient’s lungs, which is then encapsulated by a film, forming an encapsulated inflammatory mass. However, lung masses can also be indicators of more severe diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient undergo further medical evaluation and diagnosis to determine the nature of the mass and the necessary treatment plan.