lung Noules follow up

Fleischner Society Recommended Guidelines for follow-up and management of
nodules detected incidentally during non-screening CT examinations.
(MacMahon et al, Radiology 2005: 237; 395-400.)

NODULE SIZE (mm) - LOW-RISK PATIENT
? 4 No further follow up.
>4-6 CT at 12 months, if unchanged, no further follow-up.
>6-8 CT at 6-12 months then at 18-24 months if no change.
>8 CT at around 3, 9, and 24 months; or PET or biopsy.

NODULE SIZE (mm) - HIGH-RISK PATIENT
?4 CT at 12 mo, if unchanged, no further follow-up.
>4-6 CT at 6-12 mo then at 18-24 months if no change.
>6-8 CT at 3-6 mo then at 9-12 and 24 months if no change.
>8 CT at around 3, 9, and 24 months; or PET or biopsy.