How do you evaluate pulmonary nodules?

Size and growth of pulmonary nodules can be determined by measuring their diameter or volume. Measurement of the nodule diameter with electronic calipers is convenient to perform and is currently the most widely used routine clinical approach.

How do you classify a solitary pulmonary nodule?

A solitary pulmonary nodule is defined as a discrete, well-marginated, rounded opacity less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter that is completely surrounded by lung parenchyma, does not touch the hilum or mediastinum, and is not associated with adenopathy, atelectasis, or pleural effusion.

Are solitary pulmonary nodule serious?

Most SPNs are benign (noncancerous); however, they may represent an early stage of primary lung cancer or may indicate that cancer is metastasizing (spreading) from another part of the body to the affected lung.

Is a solitary pulmonary nodule cancer?

A nodule on the lung can develop for many different reasons, including lung cancer. Some solitary pulmonary nodules turn out to be malignant (cancerous), but most end up being benign (noncancerous).

What is a Subpleural lung nodule?

Subpleural pulmonary nodules are a location-based category of pulmonary nodules and are also often considered a type of perilymphatic nodule.

What is a solitary pulmonary nodule on lung?

Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is defined as a single lung opacity of size less than 3 cm. It is usually discrete and does not attach to the lung border or pleura.

Where is the Subpleural located?

Subpleural cysts, commonly seen in adolescents, are typically located at the lung apices and do not show distribution along vascular structures.

What do you need to know about solitary pulmonary nodules?

The solitary pulmonary nodule is a common radiologic abnormality that is often detected incidentally. Although most solitary pulmonary nodules have benign causes, many represent stage I lung cancers and must be distinguished from benign nodules in an expeditious and cost-effective manner.

When to use PET or CT for subsolid nodules?

For subsolid nodules, initial follow-up CT is per- formed at 3 months to determine persistence, because lesions with an infectious or inflammatory cause can resolve in the interval. CT enhancement studies are not applicable for subsolid nodules, and PET is of limited utility because of the low metabolic activity of these lesions.

When to follow up with a ground glass nodule?

Recommendation 2: Solitary Pure Ground Glass Nodule (GGN) > 5 mm. Management/Recommendation: Initial CT follow-up in 3 months to document resolution  infectious/inflammatory etiology; alleviates patient uncertainty and anxiety. If lesion persists, follow-up annually for a minimum of 3 years if persistant and unchanged.

Can a smoker have a solid incidental nodule?

Key distinction from original Fleischner Society recommendation for solid incidental nodules: Individuals with a history of smoking are not consistently differentiated from ex-smokers or from nonsmokers due to the concerns of an increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma in younger and nonsmoking individuals.