Lung Nodule - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm

Nodule on > 2 Years Without a Change in Size:

 • Scar

 • Granuloma

 • Arteriovenous Malformation

Solitary Nodule:

 • Malignant Neoplasm

 • Benign Neoplasm (eg. Hamartoma, Lipoma, Fibroma)

 • Granuloma

 • Abscess

 • Arteriovenous Malformation

 • Bronchogenic Cyst

 • Rounded Atelectasis

Malignancy:

 • Primary lung cancer

 • Metastases ("cannonball lesions"; Eg. Melanoma, Head & Neck, Sarcoma, Colon, Kidney, Breast, Testicle)

Infection:

 • Fungal

 • Tuberculosis

 • Septic Embolism

 • Parasitic

Inflammation:

 • Rheumatoid Arthritis

 • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) / microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)

 • Sarcoidosis

 • Pneumoconiosis

Vascular:

 • Arteriovenous Malformation



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