New classification of radiolucencies in small pulmonary nodules on HRCT for differentiation of malignancy from benignancy

To attempt to differentiate malignant nodules from benign ones on the base of shapes of radiolucencies, we classified 60 nodules with radiolucencies into two types as tubular and cystic. Tubular or one to two cystic radiolucencies were noted in both malignant and inflammatory ones. However, all of the nodules with multiple cystic radiolucencies were malignant. We conclude our new classification may be helpful for differentiation of malignancy from benignancy when a nodule shows radiolucency on HRCT.