[Clinico-pathological study of 98 patients with pulmonary solitary nodule].
OBJECTIVE
To arrive at correct diagnosis of pulmonary solitary nodule by clinical manifestation and chest CT scan.


METHODS
Ninety-eight patients with pulmonary solitary nodule were treated from 1990 to 2000. Their CT findings with clinical manifestations were correlated with the pathology results.


RESULTS
Of 98 patients, there were 46 (46.9%) lung cancers, 14 (14.3%) benign tumors, 38 (38.8%) tuberculosis. Fifty-six (57.1%) patients had been asymptomatic or only associated with cough and sputum. 50% of these patients had stage I lung cancer. Tuberculosis was diagnosed more frequently in young patients with protracted feverishness, night sweats, chest and back pain, whereas lung cancer was more common in older patients who were asymptomatic or associated only with cough, sputum and hemoptysis. Lesions with well-defined margin, smooth and in the middle lobe by chest CT was suggestive of benign tumor, while those with irregular margin, un-even density, spiculated margin, lobulated contour and pleural shrinkage were more commonly associated with lung cancer. Those with calcification and in the lower lobe implied tuberculosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening of high risk population is useful in finding early lung cancer. Pulmonary solitary nodule can be correctly diagnosed chiefly by referring to the clinical manifestations and characteristics of chest CT scans. Nodules less than 1cm across are difficult to diagnose and, therefore, exploration is indicated.
Zhang
Li
L
Department of Respiratory Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
Wang
Mengzhao
M
Wang
Yamei
Y
Li
Longyun
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*