differential of a solitary pulmonary nodule

Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is defined as a relatively well defined round or oval pulmonary parenchymal lesion equal to or smaller than 30 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by pulmonary parenchyma and/or visceral pleura and is not associated with lymphadenopathy, atelectasis, or pneumonia .

Questions to ask when you want to approach a solitary pulmonary nodule :

  • is the lesion solitary?
  • is it intrapulmonary?
  • is the lesion a nodule?
    • should be a discrete round/oval opacity 4-30 mm in diameter; a lesion >30 mm is defined as a mass, not a nodule
    • should not be linear or angular

Differential diagnosis

There are many causes of solitary pulmonary nodules, including:

Mimics

See also

Siehe auch:
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