Distribution of solid solitary pulmonary nodules within the lungs on computed tomography : a review of 208 consecutive lesions of biopsy-proven nature

BACKGROUND: The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a common radiologic abnormality on chest x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs. The differential diagnosis of SPNs is particularly wide as it includes a multitude of benign as well as malignant entities. Nodule location within the lungs has been proposed as a predictive feature in the literature.This study aims at illustrating the distribution within the lungs of a large current series of consecutive SPNs according to their histological subtype, which was definitely proved at core biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred-eight SPNs referred to our center for characterization were reviewed in this single-centre retrospective study. Histological subtypes were defined following the IASLC/ATS/ERS and WHO (2004) histological classification. RESULTS: This study provides evidence with respect to the prevalence of adenocarcinomas and other non-neuroendocrine primary lung cancer types in the right upper lobe. It also provides new evidence with respect to the prevalence of carcinoid tumors in the middle and right lower lobe, with a tendency to occur in the central lung parenchyma. CONCLUSIONS: This work updates existing knowledge of solid SPNs location within the lungs by providing a current picture of SPN distribution according to their nature.