Incidental nodules Flashcards
Pro/con of Brock model for assessing risk of malignancy
Good sen
incorporates nodule attenuation
Con: only estimates for high risk population. Overest in low risk pop
Veterans Admin Cooperative model for predicting malignancy limitation
Only validated in high risk pop
Mayo Clinic Model
Based on CXR
more accurate for general population
When is a nodule stable?
Solid–> stable >24mo on CT
Subsolid –> stable >/= 5 years
4 benign patterns of calcification
Likely from prior infection:
- central
- diffuse
- lamellated
Hamartoma:
popcorn
Probability of malignancy ranges
Low - <5%
Intermediate - 5-65%
High- >65%
Solitary solid nodule >8mm next steps depending on risk
Low risk– CT at 3 mo – unchanged then 9mo CT–> unchanged then 24 mo CT
Intermediate– PET/CT
High– biopsy or excision
solitary solid or subsolid nodules measuring <6 mm in size in patients without risk factors next steps
No follow up required
optional if risk factors present - 12 mo and only if grown then biopsy
Solitary Solid nodule 6 to 8 mm next steps
CT chest 6-12 mo
PET and biopsy not helpful at that size
Solitary Solid nodule 6 to 8 mm next steps after 6-12 mo follow up CT
- nodule growth –> resection or biopsy
- Resolved –> done
- unchanged–> assess risk malignancy
- Low –> done
- High or intermediate –> Chest CT 18-24 mo
Multiple solid <6mm nodules in low risk pt
No need for follow up
Multiple solid <6mm nodules in High or moderate risk pt
optional CT at 12mo
Multiple solid >/= 6mm nodules in High or moderate risk pt
CT 3-6 mo then CT 18-24mo
Multiple solid >/= 6mm nodules in Low risk pt
CT at 3-6 mo then MAYBE CT 18-24
Incidental solitary subsolid nodule <6mm ggo or part solid
No additional follow up
Incidental solitary subsolid nodule >/=6mm ground glass
CT chest 6-12 mo then every 2 years for up to 5 years
- if grows –> biopsy or resect
- done if resolves
Incidental solitary subsolid nodule >/=6mm PART SOLID
CT chest 3-6 mo
- persistent part solid >8mm then biopsy or resect
- if <8mm then annual CT chest for 5 years or resolution
Incidental multiple pulmonary nodules solid or subsolid next steps
Get full CT
Management based on most suspicious nodule (largest or part solid or one with most solid component)
Assess size. <6 or >= 6mm
Assess likelihood of malignancy
Incidental multiple pulmonary nodules solid or subsolid <6mm next step
no further follow up
Incidental multiple pulmonary nodules solid or subsolid >/= 6mm, next steps
CT chest 3-6mo
Incidental multiple pulmonary nodules solid or subsolid >/= 6mm, next steps after CT chest 3-6mo if unchanged and solid
High risk –> CT at 9 mo and then 24 mo
Low risk –> no follow up
Incidental multiple pulmonary nodules solid or subsolid >/= 6mm, next steps after CT chest 3-6mo if unchanged and SUBsolid
Ask if nodule is ground glass vs. part solid?
Also look at size. <6mm?
<6mm– No follow up
> /= 6mm ground glass -> Chest CT 6-12mo then every 2 years for up to 5 years
> /= part solid–> CT chest 3-6 mo –> if solid portion <8mm then annual CT for 5 yr
- if >8mm sample
Lung RADS 1 meaning
No lung nodules
OR
Nodule with benign features (calcification patter or fat)
Lung RADS 2
Benign – 12 month LDCT
Lung RADS 3
Probably benign - 6 mo LDCT
Lung RADS 4A
Suspicious –> 3 mo LDCT or PET if >/= 8mm nodule
Lung RADS 4B
Very suspicious –> PET or CT chest likely biopsy