Pulmonary Nodule Detection, Characterization, and Management With Multidetector Computed Tomography

Abstract

Pulmonary nodule detection and characterization continue to improve with technological advancements. The noninvasive methods available for assisting in nodule detection and for characterizing nodules as benign, malignant, or indeterminate will be discussed. Evidence-based guidelines will be reviewed to help guide the appropriate management of pulmonary nodules.

Cell blocks histopathology versus FNA cytology in diagnosis of primary malignant lung mass: A comparative study

“…Benign lung tumors include hamartomas, metastases, lung abscesses, arteriovenous malformations, infections, pulmonary artery aneurysms, and amyloidosis. 1 Among the four major histologic subtypes of primary lung cancers, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinomas, small cell carcinoma is distinct. Small cell carcinomas are best treated by chemotherapy because they are metastatic at presentation; while the others are usually curable by surgery.…”

“…Small cell carcinomas are best treated by chemotherapy because they are metastatic at presentation; while the others are usually curable by surgery. 1 Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of tumors is an approach that is widely used for diagnosis of solitary lung lesion. It involves aspiration of cells from a mass followed by the cytologic examination of the prepared Background and objective: Fine needle aspiration cytology with cell block preparation is widely used for preoperative confirmation of solitary lung mass and classification of the histologic types.…”

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule—The Role of Imaging in the Diagnostic Process

“…Since the 1990s, when multislice computed tomography (CT) technique became commonly available, the problem of incidentally detected lesions has increased in importance and frequency [1]. This is mostly due to the fact that the technique facilitates detection of lesions as small as 1-2 mm.…”

Decreased levels of circulating sex hormones as a biomarker of lung cancer in male patients with solitary pulmonary nodules

“…The incidence of cancer in patients with SPNs ranges from 10 to 70 percent (4). The early differentiation of malignant from benign SPNs is very critical because it represents a totally different way of management and prognosis (1,3). Benign SPNs are most commonly caused by chronic smoking, infections, intrapulmonary lymph node, and vascular abnormalities (5).…”

“…Nevertheless, the asymptomatic nature of SPNs makes for a significant clinical challenge in diagnosing and differentiating between malignant and benign SPNs (9,10). For accurate diagnosis of SPNs, it usually includes observation with serial chest X-rays, CT scan, transthoracic needle biopsy, and surgical resection (1). So far, chest X-ray is conducted to identify SPNs as a routine screening test, which avoids unnecessary surgery in case of benign disease but delays appropriate diagnosis and management, when malignancy really exists.…”