Lesson 1CT features of primary lung malignancy: spiculated nodule, mass, cavitation, central vs peripheral locationExamines classic CT signs of primary lung cancers, covering nodule and mass shapes, edges, cavitation, and position, and how these link to tumour type, severity, and suitability for surgery.
Solid, subsolid, and ground-glass nodulesSpiculation, lobulation, and marginsCavitation and air bronchograms in tumorsCentral versus peripheral tumor patternsEndobronchial and perihilar massesCT clues to histologic subtypeLesson 2Reporting structure: Technique, Findings, Impression, and Recommendations tailored to lung cancerGuides on structuring lung cancer CT reports, including technique notes, orderly description of chest findings, straightforward impressions, and practical, evidence-guided advice for referring doctors.
Essential CT technique documentationOrganizing lung and mediastinal findingsDescribing nodules, masses, and invasionStandardized language for impressionsActionable recommendations and follow-upCommunicating uncertainty and limitationsLesson 3Staging basics on CT (TNM elements visible on CT) and when to recommend PET/CT or biopsyCovers basic CT TNM staging for lung cancer, highlighting visible tumour, node, and spread features, frequent errors, and when to suggest PET/CT, biopsy, or multidisciplinary team review.
CT assessment of primary tumor T stageNodal disease patterns relevant to N stageDetecting distant metastases on CTCommon CT staging pitfalls and trapsIndications for PET/CT after CTWhen to recommend biopsy or bronchoscopyLesson 4Pulmonary metastases vs primary tumour: radiologic distinctionsContrasts CT looks of lung metastases versus primary cancers, noting spread patterns, count, shapes, and extra clues that point to one over the other, plus the importance of patient history.
Typical patterns of pulmonary metastasesSolitary metastasis versus primary cancerCalcified and hemorrhagic metastasesLymphangitic carcinomatosis featuresRole of known extrathoracic malignancyWhen imaging cannot distinguish originLesson 5Imaging anatomy of lungs, mediastinum, and pleura on CTOffers a targeted review of normal CT anatomy for lungs, central chest, and lung lining, using cross-section, front, and side views to aid spotting and describing chest issues accurately.
Lobar and segmental lung anatomyHilar and mediastinal compartment layoutMajor airways and bronchial treePulmonary arteries and veins on CTPleural reflections and recessesUsing multiplanar reformats for anatomyLesson 6CT acquisition protocols and contrast phases for chest imagingExplains chest CT scanning options for lung cancer checks, covering slice size, image sharpening, contrast timing, and special scans like high-detail or vessel studies for better lesion spotting.
Non-contrast versus contrast-enhanced CTArterial and venous phase chest imagingSlice thickness and reconstruction kernelsBreath-hold and motion artifact controlHigh-resolution CT in lung evaluationDose optimization and iterative methodsLesson 7Associated findings: atelectasis, post-obstructive pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and emphysemaDetails CT signs often seen with lung cancer like lung collapse, infection after blockage, airway widening, and over-inflated lungs, and their impact on spotting, staging, and treatment plans.
Obstructive and compressive atelectasisPost-obstructive pneumonia patternsTraction and cylindrical bronchiectasisEmphysema patterns and tumor detectionAir trapping and small airway diseaseImpact on treatment planning and riskLesson 8Patterns of local invasion: chest wall, mediastinum, pleura, and vascular involvementDescribes CT patterns of tumour spread to chest wall, central chest, lung lining, and blood vessels, stressing invasion signs, look-alikes, and effects on staging, surgery, and team management.
Chest wall and rib invasion criteriaMediastinal fat plane obliterationPericardial and cardiac involvementPleural thickening and nodularityGreat vessel encasement and narrowingDistinguishing adhesion from invasionLesson 9Common mimics and pitfalls on chest CT (infectious mass-like consolidation, organising pneumonia, granulomatous disease)Discusses infections and inflammation mimicking lung cancer on CT, with imaging hints, clinical checks, and follow-up plans to avoid calling harmless issues cancerous or missing real tumours.
Mass-like bacterial pneumonia patternsCT features of organizing pneumoniaGranulomatous nodules and massesTuberculosis and fungal infection cluesFollow-up and response assessmentRed flags suggesting hidden cancerLesson 10Lymph node assessment: stations, size criteria, and extranodal signsReviews step-by-step CT check of chest lymph nodes, mapping locations, size and shape rules, spread signs outside nodes, and CT limits in spotting cancer involvement.
Nodal station maps and landmarksShort-axis size thresholds by regionMorphologic signs of malignant nodesExtranodal extension and fat strandingReactive versus malignant adenopathyWhen to suggest EBUS or mediastinoscopy
