CT-Directed Diagnosis of Peripheral Lung Lesions Suspicious for Cancer

Small peripheral pulmonary nodules continue to be a diagnostic challenge, and because of improved technology are also being identified with increased frequency. Transthoracic needle biopsy, performed properly, is a highly accurate procedure and with careful attention to technical factors, nodules of any size in any location may undergo biopsy. A skilled cytologist is an essential part of the team. Continued advances in molecular diagnostics will allow for an expanded role of the usefulness of this procedure.