Murthy SC, Rice TW. The solitary pulmonary nodule: a primer on differential diagnosis.
Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;
14:239-49. [PMID:
12232865 DOI:
10.1053/stcs.2002.34450]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in noninvasive imaging techniques, management of the solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) remains a challenge for chest physicians. Patients with SPNs are frequently asymptomatic, and the physical examination is seldom revealing. Accurate diagnosis is essential, because >50% of patients will require prompt disease-specific therapy. The complexity of the problem is best appreciated by reviewing the differential list, which includes nearly 80 distinct clinical entities. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the more common etiologies is necessary to adequately treat patients with SPNs.
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