J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Dec;28(6):897-902.

CT evaluation of cavitary lung lesions: focused of lung cancer, tuberculosis and abscess

• Lee YR
• Kim MG
• Kang EY
• Suh WH

Abstract

Differential diagnosis of cavitary lung lesions is frequently problematic. We studied 35 patients with cavitary lung lesions, consisting of lung cancer (17 patients). Pulmonary tuberculosis(11 patients), and lung abscess (7 patients). We analysed CT scans in terms of irregularities of the cavity wall, maximum wall thickness, the presence of air-fluid level, location of the cavity within the mass, number of cavities within the mass, size of the cavity and the presence of calcification within the mass. Cancer cavity showed irregular inner (100%) and outer margins(100%), and thick wall (mean, 1.94cm), eccentrical location(94%) and multiplicity within a mass(38%). Tuberculous cavity showed smooth inner (56%) and irregular outer margins(75%), thin wall (mean 0.96cm), central location (62%), and multiplicity in one patient (36%). Abscess cavity showed irregular inner (57%) and outer margins(91%), relatively thin wall (mean 1.0cm), central location (57%), and air-fluid level (86%). CT scan could differentiate malignant lesions from benign condition such as tuberculosis and lung abscess by observing characteristics of the cavities.

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Lung Abscess
Lung Neoplasms*
Lung*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tuberculosis*