Profile and nodule characteristics of patients with incidental solid pulmonary nodules

Abstract

Introduction: With ever-increasing routine use of CT scans,pulmonary nodules are commonly being identified as incidental findings.The prevalence of identifying incidental nodules is expected to increase with the implementation of the new CT screening guidelines which are yet to be published. Aim: To identify the patient profile&nodule characteristics of adult patients referred to the pulmonary nodules service of our hospital with incidental solid pulmonary nodules. Materials/Methods: Retrospective review of relevant clinical information using Electronic Patient Records(EPR). Results: Between 29/04/2015-29/07/2015,135 cases with a total of 325 nodules were discussed.There were 117 solid nodules in 89 patients. Mean age was 55(+/- 16 years).32.6% of females & 17.4% of males were lifelong non-smokers. Ex smokers:44.2% of females & 60.9% of males(mean 32 pack/years). Current smokers:23.2% of females & 21.7% of males(mean 48 pack/years).4.5% and 7.9% of patients had a history of TB & asbestos exposure,respectively. At the time of diagnosis,50.6% of patients had respiratory symptoms & 44.4% of them had COPD. 13/117 solid nodules were intrapulmonary lymph nodes(ILN).The mean diameter of solid nodules(not ILNs)was 11.49mm. 53.5% of pulmonary nodules in the right lung and 66.7% of nodules in the left lung were in the upper lobes.87.5% had regular borders. Conclusions: Almost half the patients with solid pulmonary nodules had respiratory symptoms at the time of diagnosis, however their detected nodules were too small to cause symptoms & were incidental.Heavier smokers seem to be more resistant in stopping smoking regardless of the presence of pulmonary nodules however this needs to be further studied.