Source
Department Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan. ohonda@radiol.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To establish computed tomographic findings that enable accurate differentiation between malignant and benign cavitary lung nodules.
METHODS:
Computed tomographic scans from 39 patients with malignant cavitary nodules and from 39 patients with benign cavitary nodules were independently assessed by 2 observers. They recorded the computed tomographic findings of both types of cavitary nodules and surrounding pulmonary parenchyma. The computed tomographic findings were then compared using chi test.
RESULTS:
The notch was found in 29% of benign cavitary nodule cases and in 54% of malignant cavitary nodule cases (P < 0.01). An irregular internal wall was found in 26% of benign nodules and in 49% of malignant nodule cases (P < 0.01). A linear margin (P < 0.01), satellite nodule presence (P < 0.01), bronchial wall thickening (P < 0.05), consolidation (P < 0.05), and ground-glass attenuation (P < 0.01) were significantly more frequent in benign cavitary nodules than in malignant ones.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although the computed tomographic findings of benign and malignant cavitary nodules overlap, some computed tomographic findings are useful for differentiating cavitary nodules.