What are lung nodules. How are they diagnosed. What causes lung nodules. Are lung nodules cancerous. What treatment options are available for lung nodules. How are lung nodules monitored. Can lung nodules be prevented.

Understanding Lung Nodules: What Are They and Why Do They Occur?

Lung nodules, also known as pulmonary nodules, are small, round or oval-shaped growths in the lungs that measure up to 3 centimeters in diameter. These spots on the lung are quite common, especially among smokers, and can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Individuals may have a single nodule or multiple nodules in their lungs.

Can lung nodules be symptomatic? In most cases, lung nodules do not cause any noticeable symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during chest X-rays or CT scans performed for other reasons. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory infections

Understanding the underlying causes of lung nodules is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. The most common causes include:

1. Inflamed tissue due to infections or inflammation (granulomas)
2. Benign lung tumors (such as hamartomas)
3. Less commonly, lung cancer or metastatic cancer
4. Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
5. Inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis

Assessing the Risk: Are Lung Nodules Cancerous?

One of the most pressing concerns for individuals diagnosed with lung nodules is whether they are cancerous. It’s important to note that in most cases, lung nodules are benign. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a nodule being malignant.

What factors contribute to an increased risk of cancerous lung nodules? Consider the following:

• Age over 50 years
• Nodule size larger than 3 centimeters
• History of smoking
• Family history of lung cancer
• Presence of lung cancer symptoms
• Nodule growth or irregular borders
• Multiple nodules

Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of action for diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to remember that the presence of risk factors does not necessarily mean a nodule is cancerous, but it does warrant closer examination and monitoring.

Diagnostic Approaches for Lung Nodules: From Imaging to Biopsy

When a lung nodule is identified, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is essential to determine its nature and potential risks. Typically, a pulmonologist will assess the nodule and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests.

How do doctors diagnose lung nodules? The diagnostic process usually involves:

1. Medical history review and physical examination
2. Chest X-ray or CT scan to assess the nodule’s size, shape, location, and characteristics
3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan for a more detailed evaluation
4. Biopsy, if necessary, to examine the nodule’s tissue under a microscope
5. Additional tests to rule out other conditions, such as tuberculosis

What role does imaging play in lung nodule diagnosis? Imaging techniques like chest X-rays and CT scans are crucial in identifying and characterizing lung nodules. These scans provide valuable information about the nodule’s size, shape, location, and other features, such as calcium deposits. This information helps doctors determine whether further testing or monitoring is necessary.

When is a biopsy recommended for lung nodules? A biopsy may be suggested if the nodule’s characteristics or the patient’s risk factors raise concerns about potential malignancy. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the nodule for microscopic examination. This procedure is often performed through a minimally invasive technique called bronchoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth or nose to reach the nodule.

Treatment Options for Lung Nodules: Monitoring vs. Surgical Intervention

The treatment approach for lung nodules depends on various factors, including the nodule’s size, characteristics, and the patient’s overall health and risk factors. In many cases, active monitoring is the preferred course of action, while in others, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What is the typical treatment approach for small, low-risk lung nodules? For small nodules with a low risk of malignancy, doctors often recommend a “watchful waiting” approach. This involves monitoring the nodule through a series of X-rays or CT scans over time to track any changes in size or appearance. Non-cancerous nodules typically grow slowly, if at all, while cancerous nodules tend to grow more rapidly.

When is surgical removal of a lung nodule recommended? Surgical intervention may be suggested in the following scenarios:

• The nodule is large (typically over 3 centimeters)
• The nodule is determined to be cancerous
• The nodule is causing noticeable symptoms
• There are other concerning features or risk factors present

If surgery is recommended, the pulmonologist will discuss all available options with the patient, considering factors such as the nodule’s location, the patient’s overall health, and potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Advanced Care for Lung Nodules: The Role of Specialized Pulmonology Teams

Managing lung nodules effectively requires the expertise of specialized pulmonology teams. These teams bring together years of experience, research, and advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities to provide comprehensive care for patients with lung nodules.

What advantages do specialized pulmonology teams offer in lung nodule care? Consider the following benefits:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating lung nodules
• Access to advanced diagnostic technologies and treatment options
• Ability to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s specific needs
• Expertise in managing complex cases and high-risk patients
• Ongoing research and adoption of the latest treatment protocols

How do pulmonology teams ensure personalized care for lung nodule patients? These specialists work one-on-one with patients to create individualized treatment plans. They consider factors such as the patient’s overall health, risk factors, and personal preferences when determining the most appropriate course of action. This personalized approach helps ensure optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Living with Lung Nodules: Long-term Monitoring and Follow-up Care

For many patients with lung nodules, long-term monitoring is an essential part of their care plan. This ongoing surveillance helps detect any changes in the nodule’s size or characteristics that may warrant further investigation or treatment.

What does long-term monitoring for lung nodules typically involve? The monitoring process usually includes:

1. Regular follow-up appointments with a pulmonologist
2. Periodic chest X-rays or CT scans at intervals determined by the doctor
3. Assessment of any new or changing symptoms
4. Reevaluation of risk factors and overall health status
5. Adjustment of the care plan as needed based on new findings

How long does monitoring for lung nodules continue? The duration of monitoring depends on various factors, including the nodule’s initial size and characteristics, the patient’s risk factors, and any changes observed over time. In some cases, monitoring may continue for several years to ensure the nodule remains stable and benign.

What should patients do between follow-up appointments? Patients are typically advised to:

• Report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco use
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and imaging studies
• Keep a record of any changes in their health or new concerns

Preventing Lung Nodules: Lifestyle Changes and Risk Reduction Strategies

While not all lung nodules can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing certain types of nodules, particularly those associated with lung cancer.

What are the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of lung nodules? Consider implementing the following lifestyle changes:

1. Quit smoking or never start: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for lung nodules and lung cancer
2. Avoid secondhand smoke exposure: Even passive smoking can increase the risk of lung problems
3. Protect yourself from occupational hazards: Use appropriate protective equipment if working with known carcinogens
4. Maintain a healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
5. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help boost overall lung health
6. Get regular check-ups: Early detection through routine health screenings can be beneficial

Can lung nodules be completely prevented? While it’s not possible to prevent all lung nodules, especially those caused by infections or inflammatory conditions, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing nodules associated with lung cancer.

What role does early detection play in managing lung nodules? Early detection through regular health check-ups and appropriate screening for high-risk individuals can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective management of lung nodules. This is particularly important for individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer.

The Importance of Patient Education in Lung Nodule Management

Patient education plays a crucial role in the effective management of lung nodules. Well-informed patients are better equipped to participate in their care, make informed decisions, and adhere to recommended follow-up plans.

What key information should patients with lung nodules understand? Important topics include:

• The nature of lung nodules and their potential causes
• The difference between benign and malignant nodules
• The importance of regular follow-up and monitoring
• Potential treatment options and their indications
• Lifestyle changes that can promote overall lung health
• Signs and symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention

How can healthcare providers effectively educate patients about lung nodules? Effective patient education strategies may include:

1. Providing clear, easy-to-understand written materials about lung nodules
2. Using visual aids to explain concepts related to nodule size, growth, and monitoring
3. Encouraging patients to ask questions and voice their concerns
4. Offering resources for additional information and support
5. Involving family members or caregivers in educational discussions when appropriate

Emerging Technologies in Lung Nodule Detection and Management

As medical technology continues to advance, new tools and techniques are emerging to improve the detection, diagnosis, and management of lung nodules. These innovations have the potential to enhance early detection rates, improve diagnostic accuracy, and optimize treatment outcomes.

What are some promising technologies in lung nodule management? Consider the following advancements:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: These technologies can assist in analyzing imaging studies, potentially improving the accuracy and speed of nodule detection and characterization
• Advanced Imaging Techniques: New imaging modalities and protocols can provide more detailed information about nodule characteristics
• Liquid Biopsy: This minimally invasive technique involves analyzing blood samples for biomarkers that may indicate the presence of cancer
• Navigational Bronchoscopy: This advanced technique allows for more precise biopsy of small or hard-to-reach nodules
• Molecular Testing: Advanced analysis of biopsy samples can provide more detailed information about the genetic characteristics of nodules

How might these technologies impact patient care? The integration of these advanced technologies into clinical practice has the potential to:

1. Improve early detection rates for lung nodules
2. Enhance the accuracy of differentiating between benign and malignant nodules
3. Reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures in some cases
4. Guide more personalized treatment approaches based on detailed nodule characteristics
5. Facilitate more efficient monitoring of nodules over time

The Psychological Impact of Lung Nodule Diagnosis and Management

Being diagnosed with a lung nodule can be a source of significant anxiety and stress for many patients. Even when the likelihood of malignancy is low, the uncertainty and need for ongoing monitoring can take a toll on mental health and quality of life.

What psychological challenges do patients with lung nodules often face? Common issues include:

• Anxiety about the possibility of cancer
• Stress related to ongoing medical appointments and tests
• Fear of the unknown, especially during the initial diagnostic period
• Frustration with the need for long-term monitoring
• Concerns about the impact on daily life and future plans

How can healthcare providers address the psychological needs of patients with lung nodules? Effective strategies may include:

1. Providing clear, honest communication about the nature of the nodule and the management plan
2. Offering emotional support and reassurance throughout the diagnostic and monitoring process
3. Connecting patients with support groups or counseling services when needed
4. Encouraging patients to express their concerns and ask questions
5. Involving family members or caregivers in discussions and decision-making processes
6. Providing resources for stress management and coping strategies

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of lung nodule management, healthcare providers can help ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care that supports overall well-being and quality of life.

Lung Nodules – Diagnosis & Treatment | Conditions, Treatments & Specialty

Comprehensive care for lung nodules

Learn about COPD

Hearing that there’s a “spot on your lung” after a chest X-ray or CT scan can be concerning. The good news is that these “spots” are typically small, benign (non-cancerous) lung nodules. We’re here to diagnose, monitor and guide you through treatment.

What is a lung nodule?

A lung nodule (or pulmonary nodule) is a small, round or oval-shaped growth in the lungs that is up to 3 centimeters in diameter. A lung nodule larger than 3 centimeters is called a lung mass.

Lung nodules are common, mostly in those who smoke, and are typically benign (non-cancerous) but can also be malignant (cancerous). You may have a single lung nodule or several.

Symptoms of lung nodules

Most lung nodules don’t cause any symptoms and are often found on a chest X-ray or CT scan performed for another reason.

If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory infection

What causes a lung nodule?

The most common causes of lung nodules are inflamed tissue due to an infection or inflammation (called granulomas) or benign lung tumors (such as hamartomas).

Less common, malignant lung nodules are typically caused by lung cancer or other cancers that have spread to the lungs (metastatic cancer).

Other causes may include:

• Infections: When your immune system acts against an infection, it will form a granuloma. Infections can be bacterial, fungal or parasitic.
• Inflammation: Inflammation from conditions like sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause granulomas to form.

Is it cancer?

In most cases, a lung nodule does not mean cancer. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood that a lung nodule is malignant. These can include:

• Being over the age of 50
• A nodule larger than 3 centimeters
• Smoking
• Having a family history of lung cancer
• Having symptoms of lung cancer
• Growth or irregular borders
• Having multiple nodules

Diagnosing lung nodules

Once a lung nodule is identified, you’ll likely see a pulmonologist who can assess it to determine whether it’s a cause for concern.

To start, your doctor will discuss your medical history with you, perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray or CT scan. These scans can help your doctor see the size, shape and location of the lung nodule, as well as other characteristics, like calcium deposits. From there, they may recommend additional tests to rule out cancer or to determine another underlying cause. These can include:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan – A PET scan can help your doctor determine if a lung nodule is non-cancerous or cancerous, because it allows them to get a more detailed look.
• Biopsy – During a biopsy, your doctor removes a small amount of tissue from the nodule to examine closely under a microscope. The biopsy can be collected through a minimally invasive procedure called a bronchoscopy, which involves placing a thin, flexible tube through your mouth or nose to the nodule.
• Other tests – Your doctor may suggest blood testing or other tests to rule out other conditions, such as tuberculosis.

Treatment for lung nodules

Once the cause of your lung nodule is determined, your doctor and care team will discuss your next steps with you.

In most cases, if your lung nodule is small and your cancer risk is low, your doctor will suggest monitoring it through a series of X-rays over time to track its growth and any changes. Non-cancerous nodules grow slowly, if at all, while cancerous nodules grow quickly. If the nodule hasn’t grown or changed over a period of a few years, it can be left alone.

If your lung nodule is large, determined to be cancerous or causing you to have symptoms, your doctor may recommend having it removed it surgically. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will discuss all options with you.

Lung nodule care at Geisinger

Our pulmonology team is here to diagnose, monitor and provide treatment for lung nodules that’s right for you. We offer:

• Knowledge and experience – Your pulmonology team’s combined years of experience and research give them the expertise necessary to diagnose, treat and help you manage lung nodules. Learn more about our pulmonologists.
• Personalized care – When you need treatment for lung nodules, our pulmonology team will work one on one with you to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. With proper treatment and management of lung nodules, we can make sure that you stay healthy.
• Convenient locations and appointments – With pulmonologists available in Geisinger clinics and hospitals throughout Pennsylvania, you don’t have to travel far to get the care you need. We also offer extended clinic hours and minimal wait times to be seen, so you get care that’s convenient for you.

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Lung Nodules | Is a Lung Nodule Cancer?

• If you have a lung nodule
• After the biopsy

A lung nodule (or mass) is a small abnormal area that is sometimes found during a CT scan of the chest. These scans are done for many reasons, such as part of lung cancer screening, or to check the lungs if you have symptoms.

Most lung nodules seen on CT scans are not cancer. They are more often the result of old infections, scar tissue, or other causes. But tests are often needed to be sure a nodule is not cancer.

If you have a lung nodule

Most often the next step is to get a repeat CT scan to see if the nodule is growing over time. The time between scans might range anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on how likely your doctor thinks that the nodule could be cancer. This is based on the size, shape, and location of the nodule, as well as whether it appears to be solid or filled with fluid. If a repeat scan shows that the nodule has grown, your doctor might also want to get another type of imaging test called a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which can often help tell if it is cancer.

If later scans show that the nodule has grown, or if the nodule has other concerning features, your doctor will want to get a sample of it to check it for cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. This can be done in different ways:

• The doctor might pass a long, thin tube (called a bronchoscope) down your throat and into the airways of your lung to reach the nodule. A small tweezer on the end of the bronchoscope can be used to get a sample of the nodule.
• If the nodule is in the outer part of the lung, the doctor might pass a thin, hollow needle through the skin of the chest wall (with the guidance of a CT scan) and into the nodule to get a sample.
• If there is a higher chance that the nodule is cancer (or if the nodule can’t be reached with a needle or bronchoscope), surgery might be done to remove the nodule and some surrounding lung tissue. Sometimes larger parts of the lung might be removed as well.

These types of tests, biopsies, and surgeries are described in more detail in Tests for Lung Cancer.

After the biopsy

After a biopsy is done, the tissue sample will be looked at closely in the lab by a doctor called a pathologist. The pathologist will check the biopsy for cancer, infection, scar tissue, and other lung problems. If cancer is found, then special tests will be done to find out what kind of cancer it is. If something other than cancer is found, the next step will depend on the diagnosis. Some nodules will be followed with a repeat CT scan in 6-12 months for a few years to make sure it does not change. If the lung nodule biopsy shows an infection, you might be sent to a specialist called an infectious disease doctor, for further testing. Your doctor will decide on the next step, depending on the results of the biopsy.

The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Araujo LH, Horn L, Merritt RE, Shilo K, Xu-Welliver M, Carbone DP. Ch. 69 – Cancer of the Lung: Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2020. 

Chiang A, Detterbeck FC, Stewart T, Decker RH, Tanoue L. Chapter 48: Non-small cell lung cancer. In: DeVita VT, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, eds. DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2019.

Weinberger SE and McDermott S. UpToDate. Diagnostic evaluation of the incidental pulmonary nodule. This topic last updated: Jun 21, 2019. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnostic-evaluation-of-the-incidental-pulmonary-nodule on December 2, 2019. 

American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.

Japanese classification of regional lymph nodes of the colon and rectum (JSCCR), numbering principles. — 24Radiology.ru

Japanese surgeons approached the problem of standardization of surgical technique in colon cancer in the most detailed and methodological way. Traditionally for the Japanese presentation, practical recommendations are formulated in the form of 2 parts: recommendations for classification and actual practical recommendations for treatment. A separate section is presented by the Japanese classification of lymph nodes.

In accordance with the “Japanese” classification, all lymph nodes are numbered with three digits.

• The first digit – belonging to the large intestine – is indicated as “2”.
• The second digit most often denotes the anatomical region corresponding to the vascular pedicle (iliac colic artery – 0, right colic artery – 1, middle colic artery – 2, left colic artery – 3, sigmoid – 4, rectal arteries – 5).
• The third number is the degree of distance from the intestine: 1 – epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes, 2 – mesocolic (intermedial) lymph nodes, 3 – apical, or main, lymph nodes.

Moreover, 1, 2 and 3 groups of lymph nodes correspond to the levels of lymph node dissection D1, D2, D3. When describing presacral lymph nodes, “0” (270, 280) is used as the last digit, and “2” (292) is used for inguinal lymph nodes. The principles of numbering of some other lymph nodes differ from the rule described above. The numbering of the lymph nodes in the Classification of Colorectal Cancer overlaps with that in the Classification of Gastric Cancer (JCGC): there is a match in the last digits. The lymph nodes of the superior mesenteric artery in colorectal surgery are designated as 214. In the Japanese Gastric Cancer Classification (JCGC), superior mesenteric nodes are designated as 14a and 14v for the base of the superior mesenteric artery and vein, respectively. Similar parallels can be drawn for lymph nodes number 216 – para-aortic (group 16 according to JCGC), 206 – infrapyloric (group 6 according to JCGC), 204 – gastroepiploic (group 4 according to JCGC), 210 – lymph nodes of the hilum of the spleen (group 10 according to JCG).

In accordance with the level of removed lymph nodes, the following volumes of lymph node dissection are distinguished: – D1 – removal of epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes; – D2 – D1 and removal of mesocolic lymph nodes; – D3 – D2 and removal of apical lymph nodes.

Preoperative TNM staging allows for a differentiated approach to choosing the volume of lymph node dissection. The main argument in favor of expanding lymph node dissection from category D2 to D3 is the data of radiation methods on the defeat of regional lymph nodes (cN+). In clinically N-negative stages, the volume of lymph node dissection is determined by the depth of tumor invasion (category cT). In cT1, D2 lymph node dissection is recommended. When the tumor invades the muscle layer, D3 lymph node dissection is recommended, since, according to Japanese registries, at the cT2 stage, there is a significant probability of damage to the apical lymph nodes. Diagnosis of cT3 and cT4 requires D3 lymph node dissection. Obviously, such a differentiated approach requires a specialized preoperative assessment of pathological changes detected during radiological and endoscopic studies.

What does CT show in pulmonary fibrosis

Fibrosis is the proliferation of connective tissue with the appearance of scars due to a violation of the mechanisms of healing of the wound surface.

When healing does not proceed properly, scarring may occur, leading to the fact that the organ cannot function fully.

Accordingly, pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of lung tissue. The number of cells capable of saturating the blood with oxygen decreases. Consequently, respiratory efficiency decreases – respiratory failure develops, leading to intoxication, first with exercise, with aggravation of the course of the disease – at rest, and then – even in sleep. Scar tissue in the lungs not only has reduced functional properties, but also serves as an excellent environment for the development of associated infections, such as bacterial (pneumococcal or staphylococcal) pneumonia.

Pulmonary fibrosis is the outcome of tissue inflammation during interstitial (that is, with damage to the intercellular connective tissue) lung disease. The reasons for the development of such a disease may include lung injuries, high environmental pollution, smoking, inhalation of narcotic substances, mold, organic, asbestos, quartz and coal dust, infectious, autoimmune, viral diseases and their complications – bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, COVID- 19 and more.

Until recently, interstitial diseases themselves were synonymous with pneumofibrosis, but, fortunately, it was found that not all variants of such lung diseases are fibrosing.

The most complex and almost untreatable, primary or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a rapidly progressive fibrosing lung disease of unknown cause.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by symptoms of shortness of breath and dry cough (rarely productive – with sputum) during exercise, persistent pain in the chest, fatigue due to shortness of breath, weight loss without changing diet. Auscultation of the lungs (listening with a phonendoscope) reveals early (in the inspiratory phase) inspiratory, that is, respiratory rales, most often localized in the lower posterior zones of the lungs.

Fibrosis can develop in one lung or both at the same time. Focal and total forms of fibrosis are also possible. With a total form, surgery is often required, since most of the lungs are affected. With a focal form, the changes are local in nature.

CT diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis

The gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis is high-resolution computed tomography. CT diagnostics of pulmonary fibrosis allows to reliably identify the degree of lung damage, to determine the localization of scar tissue. This diagnostic method is recognized as one of the most sensitive non-invasive methods for detecting pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, comparative studies conducted already in 1990 showed that pulmonary fibrosis using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was detected in 91% of cases and only 39% using chest x-ray.

In the presence of pulmonary fibrosis in a serious stage, a pattern (a term adopted for pathological signs in medicine) is visible on CT scans of the so-called “honeycomb” lung – this condition is visible on scans as the same type of air-containing cysts located in several rows in the affected parts one or both lungs. In the early stages of pulmonary fibrosis, such a picture is not observed, so it was necessary to look for signs on CT that would allow to identify the disease at its onset. One of these signs was the presence of a “ground glass” pattern in the images – foci of slight compaction of the lung tissue. Also, specific signs of fibrosis in a patient can be detected when performing a CT scan of the lungs with functional tests. So, one of the signs – subpleural enhancement of the peripheral pulmonary interstitium – was previously considered a sign of the absence of pathology. Such changes are almost impossible to track using other methods of hardware diagnostics.

At the moment, the accuracy of CT diagnostic methods is increasing due to the introduction of new research protocols and careful study of the results of numerous studies. At the same time, the leading role in the diagnostic process is assigned to the radiologist, who interprets visible changes as pulmonary fibrosis or its absence. The search for early radiation signs of fibrosing lung disease is a key moment for the timely administration of antifibrotic therapy.

Also, it is multislice CT with the diagnosis made that is used to assess the rate of progression of the disease, identify favorable and unfavorable types of fibrotic changes, the success of treatment and the correct selection of therapeutic drugs.