Colorectal cancer with indeterminate pulmonary nodules

Neoplasma. 2020 May;67(3):439-449. doi: 10.4149/neo_2020_190613N508. Epub 2020 Feb 28.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies with a dismal prognosis. Indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) are lung nodules with uncertain nature, generally defined as a noncalcified nodule smaller than 10 mm in diameter or solid nodule no greater than 20 mm at maximum diameter without malignant character. With the widespread use of preoperative staging computed tomography (CT) of the chest and follow-up CT, IPNs are frequently detected in patients with CRC, which makes diagnosis more controversial. Generally, progression to pulmonary metastasis from IPNs is rare. Thus, no further interventions were needed for IPNs in CRC patients. A second reviewing of scans with IPNs by both clinicians and experienced thoracic radiologists may help to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / complications
  • Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed