Pulmonary nodule imaging
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Overview
Conventional radiography is the initial method of choice for the evaluation of pulmonary nodule. The evaluation and risk assessment of pulmonary nodule will depend on several characteristics, such as: size, growth, shape, margin, location, and attenuation. Further evaluation of solitary pulmonary lung nodule, should include enhanced CT scan or MRI imaging. Other imaging studies include PET scanning, which may be useful as a staging modality, detection of occult disease, and malignancy assessment.[1]
Imaging
The table below summarizes the radiological features suggestive of benign or malignant pulmonary nodules.[1]
| Radiologic Features Suggestive of Benign or Malignant Pulmonary Nodules Adapted from American Academy of Family Physicians [2] |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic feature | Benign | Malignant | |
| Size | < 5 mm | > 10 mm | |
| Border | Smooth | Irregular or spiculated | |
| Density | Dense, solid | Nonsolid, “ground glass” | |
| Calcification | Typically a benign feature, especially in “concentric,” “central,” “popcorn-like,” or “homogeneous” patterns | Typically noncalcified, or “eccentric” calcification | |
| Doubling time | Less than one month; more than one year | One month to one year | |
References
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