Incidence rate and malignancy risk in new nodules in a lung cancer screening programme

Question What is the incidence and malignancy risk of new nodules appearing at annual and nodule follow-up interval CTs in lung cancer screening? Findings New nodules were seen in 11.1% and 8.4% of participants at annual low-dose CT and 3-month interval CT, respectively. Malignancy risk at annual CT increased with nodule size. Clinical relevance In a lung cancer screening programme, new nodules at annual and nodule follow-up CTs occur in around 1 in 10 participants. Lower size thresholds for further surveillance or definitive investigation should be considered compared to nodules at baseline CT.