Pure ground-glass opacity neoplastic lung nodules: histopathology, imaging, and management

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Mar;202(3):W224-33. doi: 10.2214/AJR.13.11819.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to discuss histologic diagnosis of pure pulmonary ground-glass opacity nodules (GGNs), high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings and pathologic correlation, and management.

Conclusion: When pure GGNs are greater than 15 mm in diameter with nodularity or have high pixel attenuation (>-472 HU), the nodules are more likely to be invasive adenocarcinomas. Sublobar resection with a secured safety margin and without nodal dissection is performed for HRCT-suggested pure-GGN invasive adenocarcinomas and has a 100% 5-year survival rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy*
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / diagnostic imaging*
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / therapy*