WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P3.01.06 Lung Cancer in Incidentally Detected Pulmonary Nodules: Stratified Analysis by Smoking History and Nodule Morphology

P3.01.06 Lung Cancer in Incidentally Detected Pulmonary Nodules: Stratified Analysis by Smoking History and Nodule Morphology

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This retrospective study examined lung cancers diagnosed from incidentally detected pulmonary nodules in 72 patients evaluated at a lung nodule clinic between January 2023 and December 2024. Patients were divided into never smokers (n=32) and those with a smoking history (former or current, n=40). Data included demographic factors (sex, age, race), nodule characteristics (location, density, contour, size), and tumor stage (TNM classification).<br /><br />Key findings showed distinct clinical and radiological patterns between smokers and never smokers. Never smokers were mainly younger (median age 61–70 years) females (78.1%), while smokers were older (median age 71–80 years) males (65%). Solid nodules predominated in both groups, but never smokers had a higher proportion of subsolid nodules, indicating different lung cancer presentations. Smokers more frequently had nodules with irregular margins, which may reflect more aggressive disease phenotypes.<br /><br />Regarding cancer stage, early-stage disease (stage I–II) was more common in never smokers (76.9%) compared to smokers (58.1%). Conversely, advanced disease (stage III–IV) was found in 39.5% of smokers versus 19.2% of never smokers. This suggests smokers tend to present with more advanced lung cancer.<br /><br />The study supports the need for individualized management strategies for incidentally detected pulmonary nodules that consider patient smoking history alongside nodule morphology. Such tailored approaches may improve early lung cancer detection, particularly since incidentally detected nodules are becoming an increasingly important diagnostic source outside traditional screening programs.<br /><br />In conclusion, lung cancers arising from incidental nodules show significant differences by smoking status in terms of patient demographics, nodule characteristics, and cancer stage, highlighting the value of a nuanced approach in clinical evaluation and follow-up.

Asset Subtitle

Filippe Moura de Gouvêa

Meta Tag

Speaker Filippe Moura de Gouvêa

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

lung cancer

pulmonary nodules

incidentally detected nodules

smoking status

never smokers

smokers

nodule characteristics

cancer staging

early-stage lung cancer

lung nodule clinic