The Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic

This poster is published under an open license. Please read the disclaimer for further details.

Congress:

ECR 2016

Poster Number:

C-1023

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Outcomes, Multidisciplinary cancer care, Cancer, Cost-effectiveness, Computer Applications-Virtual imaging, Comparative studies, Teleradiology, CT-Quantitative, CT, Thorax, Respiratory system, Management

Authors:

S. Higgins¹, F. C. Lyall², J. Taylor³, J. goldman², S. Rolin², B. Soar²; ¹Torbay/UK, ²Torquay/UK, ³Plymouth/UK

DOI:

10.1594/ecr2016/C-1023

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/ecr2016/C-1023

Fig. 1: Initial approach to solid pulmonary nodules

Fig. 2: Solid pulmonary nodule surveillance algorithm. VDT = volume doubling time.

Fig. 3: Sub-solid pulmonary nodules algorithm. PSNs, part solid nodules; SSN, sub-solid...

Fig. 4: Small intrapulmonary lymph node within the left lower lobe abutting the...

Learning objectives

Raise awareness of current British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of pulmonary nodules (August 2015). Outline our early experience of instituting a novel Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic for the management of pulmonary nodules. Demonstrate a variety of cases that have been encountered in the Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic.

Background

The detection of pulmonary nodules is common. In populations undergoing CT screening and at high risk of lung cancer nodules are detected in 20-50% of individuals. The vast majority of these are benign but they require ongoing surveillance to detect early lung cancers [1]. Management and follow up frequently varies particularly when the patient is not being looked after by a chest physician. Lung nodules do not cause symptoms or abnormal physical signs and as such the value of clinical assessment is limited. The aim...

Findings and procedure details

A new service for the specialist evaluation and follow up of lung nodules was introduced at South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Torbay, UK) in November 2014. Nodules identified during the reporting of radiological investigations are highlighted to the referring clinician via a short code to which all radiologists at our institution have been made aware. A proforma is sent to the referring clinician (Hospital consultant or General Practitioner) for completion. This proforma is returned to the Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic (VLNC) for assessment of...

Conclusion

The virtual lung nodule clinic is one of the first of its kind in the UK. It provides an easily accessed and effective way of assessing patients who present with a chance finding of a lung nodule on CT scans performed for other purposes. It is timely, cost effective andensures patients are managed systematically in line with current guidelines.

Personal information

References

BTS Guidelines for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules. British Thoracic Society Pulmonary Nodule Guideline Development Group. Thorax. BMJ. August 2015; 70(2). Sutton B, Bowles K, Richardson A, Raj V, Balaj A, Maskell T, Agrawal S, Bennett J, Free C. A pilot trial of a solitary pulmonary nodule virtual clinic (Poster). 10th Annual British Thoracic Oncology Group Conference 2012.