2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P1.03-01. Do We Follow Incidental Lung Nodules Appropriately? A Retrospective Study

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A study was conducted to examine the follow-up patterns of incidental pulmonary nodules (IPN) found on computerized tomography (CT) scans in a tertiary hospital system. The study found that the rates of appropriate follow-up for IPN were low, indicating missed opportunities for early lung cancer detection. Factors that influenced the follow-up included the type and size of the nodules, their location, the presence of spiculation or radiographic evidence of emphysema, and the patient's risk factors such as family history of lung cancer and high-risk nodules. Patients with nodules detected in emergency room scans were more likely to miss appropriate follow-up, although not statistically significant.<br /><br />The study included 696 truly incidental lung nodules meeting the criteria for follow-up out of 127,765 mentions of lung nodules found on CT scans. Only 43.2% of the patients completed appropriate follow-up per guidelines. The odds of inappropriate follow-up were higher for CT scans of the abdomen and neck compared to chest CT scans. Larger nodules, nodules with spiculation, upper lobe location, and radiographic evidence of emphysema were less likely to be followed appropriately. Patients with a family history of lung cancer and high-risk nodules were more likely to receive appropriate follow-up.<br /><br />There were no significant differences based on race or gender. However, reporting the lung nodule in the impression section of the radiology report was associated with a lower likelihood of not receiving appropriate follow-up.<br /><br />The study highlights the need for hospitals to dedicate resources to structured programs and systematic processes to address disparities in follow-up rates for IPNs. By doing so, hospitals can prevent missed opportunities for early lung cancer detection.

Asset Subtitle

Jasleen Pannu, United States

Meta Tag

Speaker Jasleen Pannu, United States

Topic Early Detection and Screening - Pulmonary Nodule

Keywords

incidental pulmonary nodules

follow-up patterns

computerized tomography scans

tertiary hospital system

missed opportunities

early lung cancer detection

spiculation

radiographic evidence of emphysema

high-risk nodules

structured programs