Two Cases of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules and Rare Lung Neoplasms

Growing access to and use of chest CT has increased the incidental detection of solitary pulmonary nodules. In the Republic of Singapore Air Force, three such cases of its servicemen with solitary pulmonary nodules were recently deliberated at its Aeromedical Board between July and November 2024. While one proved to be the first case of lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed among Republic of Singapore Air Force aircrew, the histological diagnoses obtained in the remaining two servicemen were of a much less common nature. This article discusses their clinical presentation, management, and eventual aeromedical disposition.

The first case is of an Air Traffic Controller diagnosed with a pulmonary carcinoid following detection of an incidental nodule on chest CT. The second case describes an unmanned aerial vehicle pilot who was found to have pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue after an abnormal routine chest x-ray.

With greater use of chest CT, flight surgeons are more likely to encounter and manage the incidental detection of solitary pulmonary nodules among aircrew. Apart from a greater familiarity with current management guidelines for pulmonary nodules, it may be timely for aeromedical professionals to have an increased awareness of their differential diagnoses and how their possible histological outcomes may impact a return to aviation-related duties. Low JW. Two cases of incidental pulmonary nodules and rare lung neoplasms. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(12):1090-1093.