Chest CT Appearances

Lung Cancer CT Findings

• Majority occur centrally
• Arise from lobar bronchus
• In or adjacent to hilum
• Often seen with bulky hila
• Usually have mediastinal involvement and enlarged nodes
• Often seen with necrosis, intratumoral hemorrhage, SVC infiltration/obstruction

Other Information About Lung Cancer

Etiology:

• Most commonly linked to tobacco use
• Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, asbestos, and chemicals such as radon, arsenic, nickel, etc
• Patients with pulmonary fibrosis and HIV are at increased risk of lung cancer

Epidemiology:

• Common
• Typically presents after age 60 but can present at any age
• More common in males

Presentation:

• Cough
• Chest pain
• Hemoptysis
• Hoarseness
• Dyspnea
• Wheezing
• Weight loss

Prognosis:

• The 5-year relative survival rates for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are:
  • Localized: 65%
  • Regional: 37%
  • Distant: 9%
  • All SEER stages combined: 28%
• The 5-year relative survival rates for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) are:
  • Localized: 30%
  • Regional: 18%
  • Distant: 3%
  • All SEER stages combined: 7%

Related Pearls: Lung Cancer