Lung Mass Flashcards
What is the difference between benign and malignant lung masses?
Malignant tumors have infiltrating edges while benign tumors are rounded and well circumscribed.
What is the differential diagnosis for mass density larger than 3 cms in diameter?
- Malignancy, by far, is the most common etiology: cancer, lymphoma, sarcoma
- Blastomycosis
- Wegner’s granulomatosis
What defines a lung mass?
Mass density larger than 3 cms in diameter.
What is a solitary pulmonary nodule?
Solitary pulmonary nodule is defined as a discrete, well- marginated, round opacity less than or equal to 3 cms in diameter. It is surrounded by normal lungs and not associated with adenopathy or other lung lesions.
What is the differential diagnosis for solitary pulmonary nodule?
- Carcinoma (primary or solitary metastasis) - smoking
- Benign tumors
- Granulomas - tuberculosis
What is the most important diagnostic tool for solitary pulmonary nodules?
PET-CT with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 78%.
What are nodules?
Nodules are less than 5 mm’s in diameter.
What is the differential diagnosis for nodules?
Granulomas account for most nodules. Cancer can be another consideration.
What are the most common causes of multiple masses?
Cannon Ball Metastasis. Metastases are the most common cause for multiple pulmonary masses. Wegner’s and blastomycosis can present with multiple masses as well though.
Multiple Mass Patterns - Cannon Balls
Renal cell, melanoma, sarcomas and GI malignancies are such examples.
Multiple Mass Patterns - Miliary Nodules
Seen in thyroid cancer, renal cell cancer and trophoblastic disease.
Multiple Mass Patterns - Cavitations
Due to squamous cell cancers like cervix and larynx.
Multiple Mass Patterns - Calcification
Osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, ovarian and thyroid are a few examples.
