Lung Cancer Screening: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Cureus. 2024 Apr 7;16(4):e57783. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57783. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can significantly improve survival rates with early detection. With the increased amount of imaging studies being performed for screening, there are more incidental lesions found. Malignancy and pulmonary infections are two of the major differentials when a lesion is found on CT. Neither a CT scan nor a positron emission tomography can reliably differentiate between malignancy and infectious lesions. Here, we present an unexpected case of multiple nodules detected on LDCT that was performed for lung cancer screening and the workup that was done to lead to a diagnosis.

Keywords: cancer screening; granulomas; low-dose ct; lung cancer; mycobacterium tuberculosis; pet/ct.

Publication types

  • Case Reports