Solitary Lung Nodule: The Impact of Computed Tomography on Pre-Test Probability of Malignancy, Lung Cancer Staging And Management

Abstract

Lung cancer still represents the leading cause of cancer death in both women and men with over a million deaths annually. It is often detected as a lung nodule, a frequent finding in both in smokers and non smokers. The early detection, accurate characterization, and appropriate management of pulmonary nodules require a multidisciplinary approach, involving radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, pneumologists and thoracic surgeons.The purpose of our review is to summarize the main characteristics of lung nodules, their CT scan aspects (location, size, pattern and growth rate assessment) and the establishment of the pre-test CT probability of malignancy that is essential to guide management towards molecular non invasive tests and/or biopsy clinical management. When the malignant nature is defined, CT imaging allows lung cancer staging and guides the clinician for patient management.