CT MORPHOLOGIC PATTERNS OF PRIMARY LUNG CANCER: A PICTORIAL REVIEW
Keywords:
lung cancer, computed tomography, morphologic patterns, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, radiologic pathologic correlationAbstract
Primary lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Computed tomography (CT) plays a central role in its early detection, morphologic assessment, and staging. While histological confirmation is essential, CT findings often provide critical insights into tumor subtype, invasiveness, and potential treatment pathways. This pictorial review systematically presents the CT morphologic patterns associated with primary lung cancers, focusing on solid nodules, ground glass opacities, cavitary lesions, endobronchial tumors, and consolidative opacities. Radiologic pathologic correlations are emphasized, with interpretive strategies to distinguish malignant lesions from common mimickers. Understanding these morphologies supports accurate diagnosis, optimal biopsy targeting, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
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