Small Pulmonary Nodule — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyRespiratorySmall Pulmonary NoduleRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old non-smoking woman has an incidental 5 mm solid pulmonary nodule found on CT abdomen for unrelated symptoms. She has no cancer history. What is the most appropriate follow-up per Fleischner Society 2017 guidelines?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — No follow-up needed

Fleischner 2017: solid nodules <6 mm in low-risk patients do NOT require routine follow-up (risk of malignancy <1%). Follow-up is optional in this scenario. Risk factors that modify follow-up recommendations: smoking history, upper lobe location, spiculated morphology, family history of lung cancer, and asbestos exposure. If any risk factor present, single follow-up CT at 12 months may be considered.

Reference: Fleischner Society – 2017 – Pulmonary Nodule Guidelines; eTG Respiratory 2024