Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Incidentally found solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) are increasing due to liberal use of high resolution CT scans. SPNs are defined as densities up to 3cm without associated enlarged lymph nodes. Morphologic patterns of the SPN in CT or dynamic changes in serial investigations as well as the individual risk profile (age, smoking history, current or past malignant disease) are crucial to classify the likelihood of malignancy as low, intermediate or high. ⋯ Therefore, lobectomy and lymphadenectomy can also be made in VATS technique. In rare cases, diagnostic thoracotomy may still be necessary to definitely determine the aetiology of a SPN. An interdisciplinary approach is crucial to plan an efficient and individualised work-up of SPNs.