Dokuz Eylül University chest diseases single and follow-up results of multiple pulmonary nodules, malignity ratios and malignity determinants

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to reveal the follow-up results, malignancy rates and malignancy determinants of patients with pulmonary nodules evaluated in the Joint Council of Chest Diseases-Thoracic Surgery at Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine between 2011-2021. METHODS: Council notes, demographic data, risk factors, clinical findings, clinical pre- diagnoses, thorax CT findings, PET findings and pathology results of 576 patients who were evaluated at Dokuz Eylül University Chest Diseases-Thoracic Surgery council between December 2011 and February 2021 were recorded. The follow-up results of the nodules, malignancy rates and malignancy determinants were revealed, and the relationship between the patient and the nodule's factors and histopathological diagnosis was investigated. RESULTS: In the study, 242 patients, 113 (46.6%) of whom were referred to the council for SPN and 129 (53.3%) for MPN, were evaluated. In the univariate regression analysis, it was found statistically significant in terms of prediagnosis of malignancy in the council that the diameter of the nodule was greater than 8.5 mm, the nodule was solitary, had partial solid density, presence of additional malignancy, and spiculated, lobulated and irregular margins of the nodule. The most important parameters in predicting malignancy in multivariate regression analysis; nodule diameter >8.5 mm (OR=7.9% 95%CI (3.4-18.3), p<0.001) and spiculated, lobulated, irregular margins (OR=6.8% 95%CI (3.1) -15.1), p<0.001). In patients with tissue diagnosis, a significant correlation was found between advanced age (p=0.021) and the presence of concomitant COPD (p=0.025) and malignant histopathological diagnosis. (p=0.021, p=0.025 respectively) CONCLUSION: Pulmonary nodules are of great clinical importance as they are likely to be an early stage radiological finding. Patients should be evaluated with a multidisciplinary approach, anamnesis and follow-up notes should be recorded more regularly. Keywords: Solitary Pulmonary Nodule, Multiple Pulmonary Nodule, Multidisciplinary council, Lung cancer