The pulmonary nodule “discovered” by pneumonia: a case report

The number of patients diagnosed with pulmonary nodules increased as more patients with high risk of lung cancer choose low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for the screening of cancer. Clinicians might get two questions from the patients: what is the definite diagnosis of the nodule? What should we do? We have already got many guidelines trying to solve these problems. There are also several prediction models for pulmonary nodules. However, guidelines are not suitable for all types of patients, and the reality of patients is more complicated. Here we reported a 58-year-old man with a lung nodule in the right upper lobe, which was occasionally found during a period of pneumonia. We suggested two periods of follow-up, and the patient was also admitted to a clinical trial about circulating tumor cells (CTCs). He finally accepted surgical excision with a pathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. This case suggests that: we might suggest CT surveillance for patients with solid nodules about 8 mm maximum diameter; three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scans could provide more information about the details of nodules; CTCs counts of peripheral blood could be considered as a potential clue for malignancy.