Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in the Management of Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: A Review

Solitary pulmonary nodules are common radiologic findings and their detection has increased due to the introduction and improvement of diagnostics. Since a nodule can be an expression of early lung cancers, a proper classification and management are required because its treatment might lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. In this regard, prominent guidelines are available although they are characterized sometimes by discordant and misleading evidences. Furthermore, the same results of studies in the literature appear conflicting. Aim of this work is to evaluate the role of imaging through an extensive literature review but focusing on (18)F-FDG-PET/CT in order to assess the limits and future perspectives of SPN characterization in early detection of lung cancer.