Role of CT imaging to evaluate solitary pulmonary nodule with extrapulmonary neoplasms

Background: A solitary pulmonary nodule is defined as a discrete, well - marginated, rounded opacity less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter that is completely surrounded by lung parenchyma, does not touch the hilum or mediastinum, and is not associated with adenopathy, atelectasis or pleural effusion. Aim and objectives: To determine the frequency of single lung metastasis, primary lung cancer and benign lesions in patients with solitary lung nodule and a primary extrapulmonary neoplasm, to evaluate the Chest Radiographs and CT characteristics of solitary lung nodule with a primary extrapulmonary neoplasm, to develop a statistical model to guide clinicians regarding choice of patient for diagnostic biopsy. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of CT and Chest Radiographs of 50 patients with an extrapulmonary malignant neoplasm and a solitary pulmonary nodule, done in our Dhiraj General Hospital over a 6 – month period. Results: 50 patients of Extrapulmonary neoplasms were evaluated; out of these patients were diagnosed and evaluated for Primary Bronchogenic Carcinoma, lung metastases, benign nodule. Conclusion: Solitary lung nodule in patients with extrapulmonary malignancies showed a variety of patterns on CT. Nearly half of the non – calcified solitary pulmonary nodules identified in this series were malignant. The likelihood of a spread depends on the histological characteristics of the extrapulmonary neoplasm and the patient's smoking history. Lung cancer was more common than metastatic disease.