Solitary pulmonary nodule - Treatment options

Several options are available to the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of newly discovered solitary pulmonary nodules. The physician mus t take into account a number of factors before deciding on the best course of action. Nearly all patients with pulmonary nodules detected on chest rad iographs will go on to have a CT scan to better delineate the lesion. The r adiologic characteristics, along with significant findings from the patient 's history and physical examination, will determine whether observation, bi opsy, or resection is most appropriate. The growing experience with video-a ssisted thoracoscopic procedures has led to combined diagnostic and therape utic procedures and, in many cases, the treatment of lung cancer in earlier stages.