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Ground-Glass Nodule Follow-Up — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateRespiratoryGround-Glass Nodule Follow-UpRACP Adult Medicine

A 45-year-old woman has an incidental 8 mm pure ground-glass nodule (GGN) in the right lower lobe on CT. No prior imaging. She is a non-smoker. What is the most appropriate follow-up?

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Correct answer: B — CT chest at 6-12 months then 18-24 months

Pure ground-glass nodules (GGN) ≥6 mm per Fleischner 2017 require follow-up CT at 6-12 months, then every 2 years until 5 years. GGNs represent the spectrum from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia → adenocarcinoma in situ → minimally invasive adenocarcinoma → invasive adenocarcinoma. Pure GGNs grow slowly (doubling time often >800 days). Growth or development of a solid component warrants biopsy or resection.

Reference: Fleischner Society – 2017 – Subsolid Nodule Guidelines; BTS 2024