What are solitary lung nodules?

• “Coin lesion”: - Defined as < 3 cm. - Completely surrounded by lung parenchyma. • Lesions > 3 cm called “masses” and often malignant • Risk Factors: - Smoking: • Lung cancer is 10 times more common in smokers compared to non-smokers. - History of lung cancer in a first degree relative. - Exposure to asbestos, uranium and radon. - Rare in under 35 years of age • Incidence of cancer from 10 – 70%. • 90% incidental findings. • Increased with incidental findings on CT. • Patients with best prognosis are stage IA (T1N0M0)