PANEL DISCUSSION—LUNG CANCER SCREENING: DIAGNOSTIC ALGORITHMS : Monday 11 October 2004, 09:30–10:30

摘要

This paper aims to discuss the role and the accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) and to evaluate computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement in diagnosing the nature of lung nodules detected by low-dose CT, performed as screening for lung cancer. When applying strict admission criteria to the test, CT contrast enhancement is feasible in 40% of nodules and gives an accurate diagnosis of benignity when enhancement is 7 mm. The sensitivity is 87% and specificity 76%. Contrast enhancement study and PET are promising in the diagnostic work-up of lung nodules, as they reduce follow-up, the number of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB), costs, radiation exposure and patients’ anxiety.