we suggest that no additional diagnostic evaluation need be performed (Grade 2C) .Remark : This recommendation applies only to solid nodules. For guidance about follow-up of subsolid nodules, see Recommendations 6.5.1 to 6.5.4 . 2.3.3.In the individual with an indeterminate nodule that is identifi ed by chest radiography, we recommend that CT of the chest should be performed (preferably with thin sections Objectives: The objective of this article is to update previous evidence-based recommendations for evaluation and management of individuals with solid pulmonary nodules and to generate new recommendations for those with nonsolid nodules. Methods: We updated prior literature reviews, synthesized evidence, and formulated recommendations by using the methods described in the "Methodology for Development of Guidelines for Lung Cancer" in the American College of Chest Physicians Lung Cancer Guidelines, 3rd ed. Results: We formulated recommendations for evaluating solid pulmonary nodules that measure . 8 mm in diameter, solid nodules that measure Յ 8 mm in diameter, and subsolid nodules. The recommendations stress the value of assessing the probability of malignancy, the utility of imaging tests, the need to weigh the benefi ts and harms of different management strategies (nonsurgical biopsy, surgical resection, and surveillance with chest CT imaging), and the importance of eliciting patient preferences. Conclusions: Individuals with pulmonary nodules should be evaluated and managed by estimating the probability of malignancy, performing imaging tests to better characterize the lesions, evaluating the risks associated with various management alternatives, and eliciting their preferences for management. CHEST 2013; 143(5)(Suppl):e93S-e120SAbbreviations: AAH 5 atypical adenomatous hyperplasia; ACCP 5 American College of Chest Physicians; AIS 5 adenocarcinoma in situ; EBUS 5 endobronchial ultrasound; ENB 5 electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy; FDG 5 fl uorodeoxyglucose; HU 5 Hounsfi eld unit; LR 5 likelihood ratio; SPECT 5 single-photon emission CT; TBB 5 transbronchial biopsy; TTNB 5 transthoracic needle biopsy; VATS 5 video-assisted thoracic surgery; VBN 5 virtual bronchoscopy navigation; VDT 5 volume doubling time

CT allows detection of early-stage lung cancers. Benign nodule detection rate is high. Results suggest no stage shift.

Studies suggest that screening with spiral computed tomography can detect lung cancers at a smaller size and earlier stage than chest radiography can. To evaluate low-radiation-dose spiral computed tomography and sputum cytology in screening for lung cancer, we enrolled 1,520 individuals aged 50 yr or older who had smoked 20 pack-years or more in a prospective cohort study. One year after baseline scanning, 2,244 uncalcified lung nodules were identified in 1,000 participants (66%). Twenty-five cases of lung cancer were diagnosed (22 prevalence, 3 incidence). Computed tomography alone detected 23 cases; sputum cytology alone detected 2 cases. Cell types were: squamous cell, 6; adenocarcinoma or bronchioalveolar, 15; large cell, 1; small cell, 3. Twenty-two patients underwent curative surgical resection. Seven benign nodules were resected. The mean size of the non-small cell cancers detected by computed tomography was 17 mm (median, 13 mm). The postsurgical stage was IA, 13; IB, 1; IIA, 5; IIB, 1; IIIA, 2; limited, 3. Twelve (57%) of the 21 non-small cell cancers detected by computed tomography were stage IA at diagnosis. Computed tomography can detect early-stage lung cancers. The rate of benign nodule detection is high.

CT can depict early-stage lung cancers. The rate of benign nodule detection is high.

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