Constructing a Predictive Model for Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Solid Pulmonary Nodules Based on Clinical and Imaging Features.

Overview

Study Objective: To comprehensively analyze the preoperative clinical and imaging characteristics of solid pulmonary nodules, investigate the risk factors associated with malignant solid pulmonary nodules, and provide a reference for preoperative treatment decisions. Significance of the Study: According to the 2020 Global Cancer Report, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While the majority of patients with stage I lung cancer achieve long-term survival, survival rates for advanced-stage patients are extremely low. Early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer are crucial. With the widespread implementation of early lung cancer screening, a growing number of pulmonary nodules are being detected, among which solid pulmonary nodules constitute a significant proportion. Unlike ground-glass nodules, accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant solid nodules is critical for determining appropriate treatment strategies. For benign solid nodules, follow-up observation is the preferred approach, whereas early surgical intervention is essential for malignant solid nodules. Although previous studies have explored the correlation between clinical and imaging characteristics, they have not conducted systematic analyses, and most have been based on small sample sizes. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of preoperative clinical and imaging characteristics, build a predictive model to differentiate between benign and malignant solid pulmonary nodules, and provide a reliable reference for selecting treatment strategies.

Our study evaluate patients with SPN from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. The patient selection followed specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria included: (1) All subjects provided CT imaging obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University within 2-week period prior to surgery; (2) Complete clinicopathological data of solid nodules were obtained; (3) Surgical intervention for one or more SPN; (4) No prior anti-tumor treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy; (5) Age 18 years or older. Exclusion criteria involved: (1) Patients with incomplete imaging data or medical records; (2) Lung infections that could affect image analysis; (3) Significant respiratory movement artifacts in images impairing imaging analysis; (4) Inconsistent locations of SPN in postoperative pathology reports and preoperative CT images.