Differential Diagnosis for a 14 mm Lung Nodule
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign lung nodule (e.g., hamartoma, granuloma): This is often the most common diagnosis for small to medium-sized lung nodules, as many are benign, especially in asymptomatic individuals without a history of cancer.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lung cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma): Given the size of the nodule (14 mm), lung cancer becomes a more significant concern, especially in individuals with risk factors such as smoking or exposure to carcinogens.
- Infectious nodules (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections): These can present as solitary nodules and are more likely in individuals with exposure history or immunocompromised states.
- Inflammatory nodules (e.g., rheumatoid nodules, sarcoidosis): These can be seen in the context of systemic diseases and may present as solitary or multiple nodules.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant lung tumor (e.g., metastasis, primary lung cancer): Although potentially covered under "Other Likely Diagnoses," it's crucial to emphasize that missing a diagnosis of lung cancer can have severe consequences, making thorough evaluation essential.
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM): Although rare, an AVM can be life-threatening if ruptured, and certain imaging characteristics can suggest this diagnosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pulmonary hamartoma with malignant transformation: While hamartomas are generally benign, rare cases of malignant transformation can occur.
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with lung nodules, though this is less common.
- Pulmonary sequestration: A rare congenital anomaly where a portion of lung tissue receives its blood supply from the systemic circulation rather than the pulmonary arteries.
- Intrapulmonary lymph nodes: These are rare and usually small but can be considered in the differential diagnosis of small lung nodules.