Solitary pulmonary nodules

Abstract

There is no universally accepted definition for pulmonary nodules, but they typically are defined as solitary, well-circumscribed lesions that are surrounded by normal lung parenchyma, not adjacent to hilum or mediastinum, and not associated with atelectasis or pleural effusion. These lesions usually are less than or equal to 3 cm in size; larger lesions are termed solitary masses and are highly suspicious for malignancy. Lesions that have significant ground glass opacity are not considered solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). © Springer New York 2015.