Evaluation and management of indeterminate pulmonary nodules

Abstract

The radiologic evaluation and management of the indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule provide common diagnostic dilemma. With continued technologic advancements in multidetector computed tomography leading to higher spatial resolution and greater overall sensitivity of computed tomography scanners, increasing numbers of indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodules are being detected. Malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules have similar imaging features. Clinical management of these incidental nodules relies not only on imaging characteristics but also on malignancy risk factors, along with the risks and benefits of further investigation.