Patients risk factors and pulmonary nodule characteristics in the differentiation of malignant pulmonary nodules

Abstract

Background: We have been encountering pulmonary nodules more frequently due to increased lung cancer screening programs and lung tomography imaging for other reasons. Although various guidelines have been developed regarding pulmonary nodules, uncertainty continues on the follow-up and management of nodules. Aim of the study: To define the patients risk factors and pulmonary nodule characteristics that differentiate malignant nodules from benign nodules.Material and Methods: Patients with pulmonary nodules, detected between August 2014 and January 2019 in a university hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The data about the patient-risk factors (age, gender, smoking history, occupational-environmental risks, comorbidities, cancer history, family history) and nodule characteristics (Nodule Diameter, Nodule Type, Border Properties, Nodule Localization) were obtained. The features of malign nodules and benign nodules were examined.Results: There were 40 patients with pulmonary nodules whose final diagnosis could be classified as benign or malign. The mean age was 63.28 (12.06) years. Twenty-two (55%) patients were female. Eleven (27.50%) patients had never smoked. Nineteen (47.50%) of the patients were asymptomatic. Two of the nodules were malignant. There was no significant difference in the mean age, gender, smoking history, comorbidities, occupational and environmental risk factors, familial risk factors, nodule type, localization, size, and border properties between the benign and malign nodules.Conclusion: There is a high overlap in nodule characteristics and patient-risk factors between benign and malign nodules. Despite a comprehensive clinical and radiological evaluation, it is not easy to decide whether the nodule is benign or malign.