Imaging of solitary pulmonary nodule?

Imaging of solitary pulmonary nodule?

Summary:

Nodule discovered on chest radiograph, **greater** than 1 cm and low, moderate or high clinical suspicion for cancer = CT chest without contrast,  if CT indeterminate then PET CT whole body and biopsy if PET avid or enhances.

Nodule discovered on chest radiograph, less than 1 cm and low clinical suspicion for cancer = watchful waiting with CT follow up or CT chest without contrast (Note: Fleischner Criteria not addressed in this publication)

Nodule discovered on chest radiograph, less than 1 cm and moderate to hight clinical suspicion for cancer = CT Chest and possible biopsy or follow up CT chest.

As always, please refer to the source Appropriateness Criteria created by the American College of Radiology, here.

Educational purposes for licensed providers.

Note to Patients:

Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider.  When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful.  Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.

A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.

Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.

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