Solitary cavities of the lung: diagnostic implications of cavity wall thickness

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1980 Dec;135(6):1269-71. doi: 10.2214/ajr.135.6.1269.

Abstract

Sixty-five solitary cavities of the lung were evaluated for wall thickness. All lesions in which the thickest part of the cavity wall was 1 mm were benign. Of the lesions whose thickest measurement was 4 mm or less, 92% were benign. Of cavities that were 5-15 mm in their thickest part, 51% were benign and 49% malignant. Of those over 15 mm thick, 95% were malignant. Measurement of the thickest part of te cavity wall gives a more reliable indication of benignancy or malignancy than measurement of the thinnest part.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry / methods
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging*