Abstract

The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) on a chest radiograph is a common diagnostic problem as it is caused by a variety of conditions ranging from benign granulomas to lung cancer. First step diagnostic procedures for a patient with SPN involves taking a history including risk factors for malignancy and the physical exam - ination. Determination of growth rate, calcification patterns and shape of the SPN can help clinicians to eval - uate whether the SPN is malignant or benign before using further diagnostic procedures such as bron - choscopy, computerized tomography, transthoracic needle aspiration and positron emission tomography (PET). The main objective in the management of SPN is to immediately identify the malignant nodule and refer operable malignant ones to surgery while avoiding unnecessary thoracotomy in patients with benign nodules.