Chest CT incidentalomas: thyroid lesions, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, and lung nodules

Cancer Imaging. 2012 Mar 5;12(1):41-8. doi: 10.1102/1470-7330.2012.0006.

Abstract

A computed tomography (CT) incidentaloma is an incidentally detected and previously unsuspected finding or abnormality that is not related to the indication for obtaining the CT examination. The aim of this article is to review the frequency of incidentalomas on chest CT scans, discuss the potential clinical significance of the findings, and suggest guidelines for reporting, further evaluation, and follow-up, with particular focus on thyroid lesions, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and lung nodules.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mediastinum
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*