Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: The Benign Variety

Abstract

Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) are intraparenchymal radiographic densities within the lung that are smaller than 3 cm and are not associated with other parenchymal, hilar, or mediastinal disease. Tumors that are larger than 3 cm are considered lung masses and are usually malignant. The clinical assessment of SPNs is based on host factors and features of radiographic morphology. Additional special studies may be warranted. Host factors that favor malignancy are age, smoking experience, and oncologic history. Radiographic parameters indicative of malignancy are size, irregular pattern or spiculated borders, suspicious calcifications, and growth rate. In the appropriate setting, a newly identified SPN may result in a benign diagnosis. The typical differential diagnosis includes inflammatory/infectious lesions, congenital or developmental nodules, vascular malformation, or hamartomas. The most common encountered benign SPN are chondrobronchial hamartomas and granulomas. We present 2 interesting cases of unusual solitary pulmonary nodules that were correctly diagnosed during intraoperative consultation with prevention of more extensive tumor surgery.