Abstract
Background: The long-term natural course and outcomes of subsolid nodules (SSNs) in terms of true growth, substantial growth, and stage shift need to be clarified. Methods: Between 2002 and 2016, 128 subjects with persistent SSNs of 3 cm or smaller were enrolled. The baseline and interval changes in the series computed tomography (CT) findings during the follow-up period were subsequently reviewed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 3.57 ± 2.93 years. The cumulative percentage of growth nodules of the part-solid nodule (PSN) group was significantly higher than that of the ground-glass nodule (GGN) group by Kaplan-Meier estimation (all p < 0.0001). For true SSN growth, GGNs usually take a median follow-up of 7 years to grow; PSNs usually take a median follow-up of 3 years to grow. For substantial SSN growth, GGNs usually take a median follow-up of 9 years to grow; PSNs usually take a median follow-up of 3 years to grow. For stage shift, GGNs usually take a median follow-up of 12 years to grow; PSNs usually take a median follow-up of 9 years to grow. Conclusions: The natural course in terms of true growth, substantial growth, and stage shift differed significantly according to their nodule type, which could contribute to the development of follow-up guidelines and management strategy of pulmonary SSNs.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1747-1754 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Heart Lung and Circulation |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2019 |
Keywords
- Ground-glass nodule
- Lung adenocarcinoma
- Natural course
- Part-solid nodule
- Subsolid nodule