nódulo

Nódulo is a term used in medical terminology to describe a small, circumscribed, solid lesion that stands out from surrounding tissue. The word comes from the Latin nodulus, a diminutive of nodus, and is used in several languages to refer to node-like structures or lesions found in various organs and tissues.

In clinical practice, a nódulo is typically a discrete, firm lump that can be felt or seen and is usually larger than a papule. Size thresholds and definitions can vary by organ system and specialty, but nodules are generally distinct from surrounding tissue and may be benign or malignant. They can arise from inflammatory, infectious, degenerative, or neoplastic processes.

Common sites where nodules are described include the lungs (pulmonary nodules), the thyroid gland (thyroid nodules), the skin and subcutaneous tissue (dermal nodules), and lymphatic tissue (lymph nodes or nodal enlargements). In imaging, a pulmonary nódulo is often defined as a round or irregular solid lesion up to about 3 cm in diameter; larger lesions are commonly referred to as masses and may require different evaluation.

Evaluation of a nódulo typically begins with a detailed history and physical examination, followed by imaging studies such as ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. If the cause remains unclear or malignancy is suspected, tissue sampling through biopsy or needle aspiration may be performed. Management depends on the underlying etiology and may range from observation and monitoring to medical therapy, surgical excision, or oncologic treatment.

See also: lump, mass, granuloma, tumor, lymph node.