Language
English
Publication Date
8-1-2023
Journal
Respiratory Medicine
DOI
10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107277
PMID
37187432
Abstract
Pulmonary nodules are often discovered incidentally during CT scans performed for other reasons. While the vast majority of nodules are benign, a small percentage may represent early-stage lung cancer with the potential for curative treatments. With the growing use of CT for both clinical purposes and lung cancer screening, the number of pulmonary nodules detected is expected to increase substantially. Despite well-established guidelines, many nodules do not receive proper evaluation due to a variety of factors, including inadequate coordination of care and financial and social barriers. To address this quality gap, novel approaches such as multidisciplinary nodule clinics and multidisciplinary boards may be necessary. As pulmonary nodules may indicate early-stage lung cancer, it is crucial to adopt a risk-stratified approach to identify potential lung cancers at an early stage, while minimizing the risk of harm and expense associated with over investigation of low-risk nodules. This article, authored by multiple specialists involved in nodule management, delves into the diagnostic approach to lung nodules. It covers the process of determining whether a patient requires tissue sampling or continued surveillance. Additionally, the article provides an in-depth examination of the various biopsy and therapeutic options available for malignant lung nodules. The article also emphasizes the significance of early detection in reducing lung cancer mortality, especially among high-risk populations. Furthermore, it addresses the creation of a comprehensive lung nodule program, which involves smoking cessation, lung cancer screening, and systematic evaluation and follow-up of both incidental and screen-detected nodules.
Keywords
Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Early Detection of Cancer, Lung, Multiple Pulmonary Nodules, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Solitary Pulmonary Nodule, Cryoablation, Electromagnetic navigation, Endobronchial ultrasound, Lung cancer, Lung nodule, Radiofrequency ablation, Robot assisted bronchoscopy, SBRT, VATS Lung resection
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Mankidy, Babith J; Mohammad, GhasemiRad; Trinh, Kelly; et al., "High Risk Lung Nodule: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management" (2023). Faculty and Staff Publications. 4619.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/4619