Analysis of resected peripheral small lung mass 2cm or less in diameter based on ground-glass opacity at high-resolution CT : radiologic-pathologic correlation

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty three cases of resected peripheral small lesions of the lung less than 2cm in diameter were retrospectively reviewed to correlate the appearance of ground-glass opacity (GGO) on high-resolution CT (HRCT) and the pathological features. Three groups were designated according to the appearance of GGO; S lesion (solid nodule), S+G lesion (nodule with mixed solid and GGO components), and G lesion (pure GGO). Group S consisted of various lesions containing adenocarcinoma, other types of lung cancers, or benign lesions (e. g. mycobacteriosis, and non-specific inflammation). Those in group S+G mainly consisted of adenocarcinoma (90.7%; 69 of 75 cases). Those in group G (without scale-down between intervals) consisted entirely of adenocarcinoma (or atypical adenomatous hyperplasia) (15 cases). These results suggest that patients with small peripheral lung lesions containing GGO are good candidates for surgical resection.