What do incidental findings mean?

Following your lung cancer screening, you may be told that there are there are some things that require further investigation which may not be lung cancer. These are known as ‘incidental findings’ and include:

  • Emphysema

  • Coronary artery calcification

  • Lung nodules

The videos below help explain what these mean.

Emphysema

As part of the lung cancer screening programme, some people will be told they have signs of emphysema.

Emphysema is a lung condition where the tiny air sacs, the small balloons that help move air in and out of your lungs, become damaged. This makes it harder to breathe, especially when you’re active.

The main cause of emphysema is smoking, though it can also develop from long-term exposure to other lung irritants.

Although the damage cannot be reversed, there are ways to protect your lungs and manage symptoms. Stopping smoking, keeping active, and following medical advice can all make a real difference.

Having emphysema does not necessarily mean you have COPD, but if you are breathless or having worsening symptoms, please see your healthcare provider.

Coronary artery calcification

As part of the lung cancer screening programme, your scan may show something called coronary artery calcification.

This means calcium has built up in the walls of the heart’s blood vessels. It’s a sign of “furring” or hardening of the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart problems in the future, such as angina or heart attacks.

Coronary artery calcification doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, but it’s an important early warning sign that your heart may need some extra care.

The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your heart. Stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, staying active, attending your NHS health check, and taking medications prescribed by your doctor can all help lower your risk and keep your heart healthy.

Lung nodules

As part of the lung cancer screening programme, some people may be told they have a lung nodule.

A lung nodule is a small round spot seen on a scan of your lungs. They are quite common and usually harmless, often caused by old infections, inflammation, or small areas of scarring.

Because a small number of nodules can develop into lung cancer, doctors monitor them carefully with follow-up scans over time. Most nodules stay exactly the same and never cause any problems or symptoms.

Finding a nodule can be worrying, but it’s important to remember that having one does not mean you have lung cancer. Your follow-up will be arranged by your healthcare team to keep you safe and take action early if anything changes.