Pulmonary cavitary nodules on computed tomography: differentiation of malignancy and benignancy

To establish computed tomographic findings that enable accurate differentiation between malignant and benign cavitary lung nodules.

Computed tomographic scans from 39 patients with malignant cavitary nodules and from 39 patients with benign cavitary nodules were independently assessed by 2 observers. They recorded the computed tomographic findings of both types of cavitary nodules and surrounding pulmonary parenchyma. The computed tomographic findings were then compared using chi test.

The notch was found in 29% of benign cavitary nodule cases and in 54% of malignant cavitary nodule cases (P < 0.01). An irregular internal wall was found in 26% of benign nodules and in 49% of malignant nodule cases (P < 0.01). A linear margin (P < 0.01), satellite nodule presence (P < 0.01), bronchial wall thickening (P < 0.05), consolidation (P < 0.05), and ground-glass attenuation (P < 0.01) were significantly more frequent in benign cavitary nodules than in malignant ones.

Although the computed tomographic findings of benign and malignant cavitary nodules overlap, some computed tomographic findings are useful for differentiating cavitary nodules.