A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) refers to a small, single, well-defined lesion that appears as a round or oval-shaped abnormality on a chest radiograph, computed tomography (CT) scan, or other imaging techniques. It is typically found incidentally during routine medical examinations, as it often doesn't present with any noticeable symptoms.
The term "solitary" indicates that there is only one nodule present, as opposed to multiple nodules which might suggest a different condition. The word "pulmonary" refers to the lungs, indicating that the nodule is located within the lung tissue. It is important to note that an SPN can also be referred to as a solitary lung nodule or a coin lesion.
The exact cause of SPNs can vary, and they can have both benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) origins. Possible benign causes include infections, inflammation, scars, or non-cancerous tumors. However, SPNs can also be indicative of early-stage lung cancer, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the nature of the nodule.
Due to their potential association with lung cancer, SPNs often require close monitoring and further diagnostic tests, such as lung biopsy, PET scan, or a follow-up CT scan. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the SPN, and can range from observation and periodic imaging to surgical removal or other targeted therapies.
It is essential that healthcare professionals carefully evaluate and monitor solitary pulmonary nodules to properly diagnose and determine the appropriate course of treatment, as early detection and intervention can greatly influence patient outcomes and prognosis.
