New report outlines recommendations to effectively manage incidental pulmonary nodules

The Lung Cancer Policy Network has published a new report Enhancing the earlier detection of lung cancer: effective management of incidental pulmonary nodules.

The report outlines the impact optimal management of incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) can have on the earlier detection of lung cancer, and provides recommendations for policymakers to implement robust management strategies.

IPNs are lesions commonly found via imaging outside of lung cancer screening; while mostly benign, in some cases they can be indicative of lung cancer. Appropriately detecting, tracking and following up on these nodules can lead to detecting more lung cancer cases earlier, when survival rates are at their highest.

While targeted screening programmes using low-dose computed tomography are the most effective method for earlier detection, they alone are not enough to tackle the global magnitude of lung cancer – and such programmes may not yet be feasible in all health systems. Effectively managing and caring for people with IPNs offers an alternative route to detect lung cancer earlier outside of screening populations.

The report draws upon case studies, insights from Network members and 11 expert interviews to outline various approaches to optimising IPN management, while being sensitive to different health system structures and resource availability.

The Network hopes this report can be used to highlight the importance of appropriate IPN management and serves as a blueprint for health systems – with and without existing screening programmes – to start effectively managing IPNs.

 
Download the report