Incidental Lung Nodule

Incidental lung nodule algorithm depends on the patient’s risk factors as well as the nodule’s characteristics on imaging and change over time. Small (≤8 mm), unsuspicious nodules can be followed by serial CT scans. When the likelihood for cancer increases (bigger nodules, risk factors etc.), a PET/CT scan followed by tissue biopsy is warranted. If primary lung malignancy is confirmed, cancer staging is paramount and will dictate the treatment approach (resection for stage I or II and chemoradiation for advanced disease or poor surgical candidacy).