A minute small-cell lung cancer showing a latent phase early in growth.
A minute small-cell lung cancer measuring 8 x 5 mm was detected and serially imaged by computed tomography for about a year preceding resection. Although this solid nodule showed a short overall doubling time (76 days), the growth curve included an early phase without apparent growth prior to the phase of rapid growth. Accordingly, lung cancer cannot be ruled out when a small nodule (<10 mm) does not enlarge in the first several months of computed tomographic follow-up.
Nakamura
Haruhiko
H
Department of Chest Surgery, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012, Japan.
Kawasaki
Norihito
N
Taguchi
Masahiko
M
Kitamura
Hajime
H
D000368:Aged; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography