The spot on the lung can be caused by infections, such as pneumonia and COVID-19, vessel malformations and even tumors, and is identified in imaging tests such as chest x-ray or computed tomography.
Lung spotting can also be present in tuberculosis or lung cancer, being associated with symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss and shortness of breath. Therefore, other tests such as sputum analysis and biopsy may be indicated to identify the cause of the stain on the lung.
Therefore, in the case of a spot on the lung, it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for an evaluation and start appropriate treatment, which depends on the cause and may involve the use of antibiotics and even surgery.
The main causes of lung spot are:
1. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, in addition to causing spots on the lungs, generally causes symptoms such as frequent coughing, fever, excessive sweating at night and weight loss. However, even if the disease has not yet caused symptoms, some people may already have spots on their lungs. Learn how to identify the symptoms of tuberculosis.
What to do: It is important to consult a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist if tuberculosis is suspected, who may recommend tests such as PPD and testing for tuberculosis bacteria in sputum to confirm the diagnosis. If tuberculosis is confirmed, the doctor may indicate the beginning of treatment, which involves medications such as rifampicin and isoniazid.
2. Pneumonia
Lung spots caused by pneumonia are usually identified by chest x-ray and occur associated with symptoms such as fever, cough with phlegm and shortness of breath. Furthermore, some changes in the spot, such as specific shape, size and location, may indicate different types of pneumonia. See what types of pneumonia are.
What to do: If pneumonia is suspected, it is important to go to an emergency room, because treatment usually involves medications such as antibiotics and antivirals, and it may also be recommended that treatment be carried out in the hospital, in the most serious cases.
See the following video for more information about the symptoms and treatments of pneumonia:
3. COVID-19
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus responsible for COVID-19, can also cause the appearance of spots on the lung, especially in more severe cases of the infection, in which other symptoms are also noticed, such as difficulty breathing, excessive tiredness and chest pain, for example. See other symptoms of COVID-19.
What to do: In case of suspicion of COVID-19, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner, pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist for an assessment and initiation of the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of medications such as dipyrone, specific antivirals and, in severe cases, it may be necessary to stay at the hospital. See how COVID-19 is treated.
4. Tumor benigno
Benign tumors, such as fibromas and hamartomas, are caused by the growth of different types of cells in the body and can occur in the lungs, resulting in nodule-like spots that are usually identified on a chest x-ray. Understand more about the nodule in the lung.
However, they usually do not cause symptoms and are therefore usually only discovered after routine examinations.
What to do: When a tumor is suspected, it is important to consult a pulmonologist for an evaluation, which may involve other tests such as computed tomography and biopsy, which generally confirm whether the spot is caused by a benign tumor, in this case not requiring any specific treatment.
5. Vessel malformation
Vessel malformations can cause spots in the lung, normally not causing other symptoms. Furthermore, these changes may be present from birth and can only be identified during routine examinations. In more serious cases, there may be symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
What to do: When vessel malformations in the lung are suspected, it is important to consult a pulmonologist for an evaluation. Although treatment is not always necessary, when indicated it may involve embolization to close the vessels that cause the change.
6. Lung cancer
Although it is rarer, lung cancer can also cause spotting in the lung, which is usually accompanied by some symptoms such as persistent cough, feeling short of breath, blood in the phlegm and weight loss. See other signs that can help identify lung cancer.
What to do: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist if lung cancer is suspected, so that tests can be carried out to help confirm the malignancy and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, which may involve removal through surgery and chemotherapy.
See more in the following video with Dr Clarissa Baldotto, about lung cancer:
