Granulomatous Disease

What is a granulomatous Disease?
Lung granulomas are not cancerous.  Granulomas are clumps of chronically inflamed tissue sometimes from an infection.  But, it can also form due to noninfectious disease or from irritation of lung tissue by a foreign body.  Granulomas consist of clusters of certain immune system cells and may eventually progress to localized areas of scar tissue in the lungs.  If you are having signs of infection or being sick, then please notify your family physician.  The majority of the time, these will turn into “scars” on your future scans or X-rays. 

What causes granulomas?
This is commonly seen in smokers who have chronic lung disease as smoking can cause an inflammatory process in your lungs.  Granulomas can come from breathing in other toxins, bacteria, and fungus.  Genetics might play a role for some people.

What are the symptoms of granulomatous disease?
People rarely experience symptoms from granulomas.  Some symptoms might include shortness of breath (possibly worse with walking), cough (with or without sputum or blood), night sweats, runny nose, congestion, or fever.

Who do I contact with any additional questions?
You can contact your family doctor who referred you for the screening.