title: Comparison of biopsy techniques in assessment of solitary pulmonary nodules.
abstract: A wide variety of diagnostic tests are available to evaluate solitary pulmonary nodules, ranging from noninvasive to invasive. Given the virulence of lung cancer, those techniques that can provide cytological and pathological information are often chosen. However, the choice of which procedure to perform is complicated by numerous factors, including the sensitivity and specificity of the test, as well as the prevalence of disease. Additional considerations also include complications, availability and expertise in performing procedures, and overall cost of the diagnostic algorithm. Rather than make specific recommendations for diagnostic workup, it is more appropriate to consider that this will vary from institution to institution based on the above factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University--The New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Yankelevitz
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wisnivesky
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Henschke
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000473:pathology*