Screening for Lung Cancer: Incidental Pulmonary Parenchymal Findings

Abstract

Objective: Incidental pulmonary findings are commonly detected at lung cancer screening chest CT. Though most of these findings are clinically insignificant, it is difficult to prospectively determine which are potentially important to clinical care. The purpose of this review is to discuss the incidental pulmonary findings commonly detected at lung cancer screening chest CT.

Conclusion: Incidental pulmonary findings most commonly fall into one of three categories: interstitial lung disease, emphysema, and airways disease (both small and large airways).

Keywords: airways disease; emphysema; interstitial lung abnormality; lung cancer screening chest CT; smoking-related lung disease.