Solitary or “Coin” Lesions of the Lung

Abstract

Of 2,258 solitary pulmonary nodules described in 22 reports, 37.8 per cent were malignant. An even larger proportion of these lesions are infectious granulomas. In differential diagnosis, size is important but not critical. Calcification is an important radiologic feature indicating benignancy. Excisional biopsy is usually necessary for exact diagnosis. For benign or metastatic lesions, simple excision is adequate; for primary malignancies presenting as solitary nodules, lobectomy is preferable to pneumonectomy. A 30 per cent five year survival can be expected following resection of solitary pulmonary metastases.