Computed tomography of the thorax in the diagnosis and management of malignant disease

The role of computed tomography (CT) scanning in the investigation of patients with intrathoracic malignancy has not yet been clearly defined. Current evidence suggests that it is the most sensitive diagnostic imaging technique for identifying the extent of primary lung cancers and their relationship to intrathoracic anatomy. It is an advance in the staging of intrathoracic malignancy as it identifies adenopathy in the paratracheal region and the mediastinum more readily. Discovery of small (less than 0.8 mm) pulmonary nodules is common in patients with some extrathoracic malignant conditions, but differentiating malignant deposits from benign nodules remains a problem. CT has a potential place in radiotherapy field planning and in identifying lung cancers in the occasional patient presenting with suspicious symptoms or positive cytology and a normal chest radiograph.