Hello everyone, I am Dr. Jing Xuli from Beijing Grade 3A Hospital. Recently, many netizens with pulmonary nodules have consulted me and wanted to know what is the most appropriate test for pulmonary nodules reexamination. In fact, for the re-examination of pulmonary nodules, only a lung CT is sufficient. However, it is important to note that there are many types of CT, and not all CT CT is suitable for reexamination of pulmonary nodules.
For example, the low-dose spiral CT that we usually do during physical examinations has a layer thickness of more than 5mm. Due to the large thickness of the layer, it is easy to miss the diagnosis, so it is not suitable for the re-examination of pulmonary nodules.
Then, for the follow-up observation of pulmonary nodules, we most commonly use thin-slice CT. The thickness of this type of CT is generally 1-2mm, which is not easy to miss small nodules, and can also accurately determine the density of nodules. Through 3D reconstruction technology, we can clearly show the volume of the nodule, the relationship between the nodule and the blood vessels, and the marginal condition, which can help to determine the benign and malignant nodules.
Of course, if the nodule shows undesirable signs, or if it is obvious.
Malignant manifestations may require contrast-enhanced CT or PET-CT under the guidance of a medical professional. These two types of CT are relatively expensive, especially PET-CT, which is expensive, so they are not suitable as the first choice for routine follow-up observation. In most cases, thin-slice CT is sufficient.