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.
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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