skip to main content

Solitary pulmonary nodule — ABIM Board MCQ

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

HardPulmonary/Critical CareSolitary pulmonary noduleABIM Board

A 67-year-old former smoker has an incidental 11-mm solid upper-lobe pulmonary nodule, no prior imaging and an estimated 25% probability of malignancy. He is fit for curative treatment. Which next study is appropriate?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Obtain FDG-PET/CT for further nodule characterization

The best answer is “Obtain FDG-PET/CT for further nodule characterization”. For a solid nodule larger than 8 mm with low-to-moderate malignancy probability, functional imaging with PET is appropriate before choosing surveillance or biopsy. Immediate surgery is usually reserved for high probability or strongly positive findings after preference discussion. Chest radiography, eosinophils and bronchoprovocation do not characterize cancer risk.

Reference: American College of Chest Physicians Pulmonary Nodule Evaluation Guideline: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3749714/