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
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
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
References
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