Lesson 1CT features of primary lung malignancy: spiculated nodule, mass, cavitation, central vs peripheral locationReviews hallmark CT appearances of primary lung cancers, including nodule and mass morphology, margins, cavitation, and location, and explains how these features relate to histologic subtype, aggressiveness, and potential resectability.
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 cancerExplains how to structure lung cancer CT reports, detailing technique documentation, organized description of thoracic findings, clear impression statements, and specific, evidence-based management recommendations for referrers.
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 biopsyIntroduces CT-based TNM concepts for lung cancer, detailing visible T, N, and M features, common staging pitfalls, and when CT findings should prompt PET/CT, tissue sampling, or referral to a multidisciplinary tumor board.
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 tumor: radiologic distinctionsCompares CT appearances of pulmonary metastases with primary lung cancers, highlighting distribution, number, morphology, and ancillary findings that favor one diagnosis over the other, and discussing the role of clinical context.
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 CTProvides a focused review of normal CT anatomy of lungs, mediastinum, and pleura, using axial, coronal, and sagittal planes to build a mental map that supports accurate localization and characterization of thoracic abnormalities.
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 imagingDetails chest CT acquisition choices for lung cancer workup, including slice thickness, reconstruction kernels, contrast timing, and special protocols such as high-resolution and angiographic studies that influence lesion detection and characterization.
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 emphysemaDescribes CT findings commonly associated with lung cancer, such as atelectasis, post-obstructive infection, bronchiectasis, and emphysema, and explains how these influence detection, staging, and surgical or radiation planning.
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 involvementOutlines CT patterns of local tumor spread to chest wall, mediastinum, pleura, and vessels, emphasizing imaging signs of invasion, pitfalls that mimic extension, and implications for staging, operability, and multidisciplinary 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, organizing pneumonia, granulomatous disease)Covers infectious and inflammatory entities that resemble lung cancer on CT, emphasizing imaging clues, clinical correlation, and follow-up strategies to avoid mislabeling benign disease as malignancy or missing an underlying tumor.
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 signsCovers systematic CT evaluation of thoracic lymph nodes, including nodal station mapping, size and morphology criteria, extranodal extension signs, and limitations of CT alone in predicting malignant 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
