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Vol.48 No.4 contents | Japanese/English |
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- The 33rd Diagnostic Imaging Seminar -
Diagnosing Characteristics of Pulmonary Nodules Using Thin-section CT Images
Haruhiro Saito11Department of Thoracic Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Japan
We are now able to more precisely diagnose small pulmonary nodules by using thin-section CT images. Pulmonary nodules are classified as either 'Air-containing type (Air-type)' or 'Solid-density type (Solid-type)' by comparing lung window images and mediastinal window images. The lung window images of pulmonary nodules are classified as: (1) Non-solid nodule (GGO: ground-glass opacity), (2) Part-solid nodule, (3) Solid nodule. GGO findings usually correspond to Noguchi's type A adenocarcinoma or atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). Part-solid nodules correspond to Noguchi's type B or type C adenocarcinoma. The solid part of part-solid nodules corresponds to the histopathological findings of collapse in 'Air-type'. These correspond to cancer cells that disrupt alveolar structures and proliferate in 'Solid-type'. The prognosis of 'Air-type' is better than that of 'Solid-type' after resection. Solid nodules correspond to Noguchi's type D adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma. We can diagnose small pulmonary nodules more precisely by using multiplanar reformation images, enhanced CT images and follow-up of CT findings.
key words: Small pulmonary nodule, Air-containing type, Solid-density type, Part-solid nodule, Solid nodule
JJLC 48 (4): 302-311, 2008
