Lesson 1CT features of primary lung malignancy: spiculated nodule, mass, cavitation, central vs peripheral locationThis lesson looks at the main CT signs of lung cancers starting in the lungs, like how nodules and masses look, their edges, holes inside, and where they are located, and how these help tell the cancer type, how serious it is, and if surgery can remove it.
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 cancerThis lesson shows how to organize CT reports for lung cancer, including describing the scan method, listing chest findings clearly, giving a summary opinion, and suggesting next steps based on evidence to help 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 biopsyThis lesson introduces how to use CT for staging lung cancer with TNM system, explaining what T, N, and M parts show on scans, common mistakes, and when to suggest PET/CT, tissue tests, or team discussions for better care.
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 distinctionsThis lesson compares how lung metastases look on CT versus primary lung cancers, noting spread patterns, numbers, shapes, and extra signs that point to one or the other, plus how patient history helps decide.
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 CTThis lesson reviews normal CT views of lungs, central chest area, and lung coverings, using different slice angles to help you picture and identify chest problems 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 imagingThis lesson explains choices for chest CT scans in lung cancer checks, like slice size, image sharpening, dye timing, and special methods for better spotting and describing lesions.
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 emphysemaThis lesson describes CT signs often seen with lung cancer, like collapsed lung parts, infections after blockage, widened airways, and air pocket diseases, and how they affect finding cancer, 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 involvementThis lesson outlines CT patterns of cancer spreading nearby to chest wall, central chest, lung lining, and blood vessels, highlighting invasion signs, look-alikes, and effects on staging, surgery chances, and team care.
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)This lesson covers infections and swellings that look like lung cancer on CT, stressing scan clues, patient details, and follow-up ways to not mistake harmless issues for cancer or miss real tumors.
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 signsThis lesson teaches step-by-step CT checks of chest lymph nodes, including location maps, size rules, shape signs, spread outside nodes, and limits of CT 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
