How common are benign lung nodules?

How common are benign lung nodules?

Pulmonary nodules are fairly common. They are seen in about one of every 500 chest X-rays and in about one out of every 100 chest CT scans. At least 60% of pulmonary nodules seen on chest X-rays turn out to be benign, and 99% of those on chest CT are benign. About half the people who smoke and are over age 50 will have nodules on a CT scan of their chest.