Cavities in the Lung in Oncology Patients: Imaging Overview
Cavities in the Lung in Oncology Patients: Imaging Overview
A cavity has been defined as "a gas-filled space within a pulmonary consolidation, a mass, or a nodule, produced by the expulsion of [the] necrotic part of the lesion via the bronchial tree." In oncology patients, cavitary lesions caused by various etiologies are seen, and an accurate diagnosis often can be challenging because the nonmalignant cavitary lesions often mimic malignant cavitary lesions. However, the radiological findings of cavitary lesions can be useful in differentiating a cavitary malignant lesion from any other nonmalignant cavitary lesion. This review focuses on the cavitary lesions that are encountered in oncology patients, including primary bronchogenic carcinoma, pulmonary metastasis, infections and other miscellaneous etiologies causing cavitation in oncology patients. The article will highlight radiological findings that aid in diagnosis.
(Enlarge Image)
Abstract and Introduction
Introduction
A cavity has been defined as "a gas-filled space within a pulmonary consolidation, a mass, or a nodule, produced by the expulsion of [the] necrotic part of the lesion via the bronchial tree." In oncology patients, cavitary lesions caused by various etiologies are seen, and an accurate diagnosis often can be challenging because the nonmalignant cavitary lesions often mimic malignant cavitary lesions. However, the radiological findings of cavitary lesions can be useful in differentiating a cavitary malignant lesion from any other nonmalignant cavitary lesion. This review focuses on the cavitary lesions that are encountered in oncology patients, including primary bronchogenic carcinoma, pulmonary metastasis, infections and other miscellaneous etiologies causing cavitation in oncology patients. The article will highlight radiological findings that aid in diagnosis.
(Enlarge Image)
Source...