Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:14
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
Extrapulmonary malignancies detected at lung cancer screening
Cristiano Rampinelli1, Lorenzo Preda, Marina Maniglio
1Department of Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti, 435-20141 Milan, Italy. cristiano.rampinelli@ieo.it
Radiology
|August 11, 2011
Summary
Low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer incidentally detected extrapulmonary malignancies in 0.5% of high-risk smokers. Renal carcinomas and lymphomas were common, highlighting the importance of evaluating all structures during screening.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lung cancer screening programs using low-dose computed tomography (CT) identify incidental findings.
- Asymptomatic heavy smokers aged 50+ are at high risk for lung cancer.
- Extrapulmonary incidental findings require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the detection rate of extrapulmonary malignancies during lung cancer screening.
- To characterize the histologic features of these malignancies.
- To determine the clinical stage at diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5201 asymptomatic heavy smokers (age 50+) undergoing 5-year annual low-dose CT screening.
- Identification and extraction of potentially significant extrapulmonary incidental findings (PS-IFs).
- Histologic confirmation and clinical data collection for included malignancies.
Main Results:
- 27 unsuspected extrapulmonary malignancies were detected in 0.5% of subjects after 5 years.
- Renal carcinomas (7) and lymphomas (5) comprised 44% of the detected tumors.
- 24 of 27 subjects (89%) with malignancy were alive at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Lung cancer screening trials can detect a significant number of unsuspected extrapulmonary malignancies.
- Thorough evaluation of extrapulmonary structures, especially kidneys and lymph nodes, is crucial.
- Incidental findings in screening CTs warrant comprehensive diagnostic work-up.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...