Mayo Clinic Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Malignancy Risk
Estimates probability of malignancy in a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) using 6 independent predictors. Validated in multiple cohorts.
Score interpretation
Low probability of malignancy. Watchful waiting and serial imaging appropriate.
→ CT surveillance per Fleischner guidelines. Low-dose CT at 12 months if no prior CT available.
Intermediate probability. Tissue sampling or PET-CT often required.
→ PET-CT to assess metabolic activity. Consider image-guided biopsy or resection depending on fitness. Multidisciplinary lung cancer meeting referral.
High probability of malignancy.
→ Urgent respiratory/thoracic surgery referral. PET-CT and tissue diagnosis (bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy). Expedited MDT review.
Interpretation bands for the Mayo SPN Risk. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Swensen SJ et al. The probability of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules. Application to small radiologically indeterminate nodules. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157(8):849-855.
- Gould MK et al. Evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer? Chest. 2013;143(5 Suppl):e93S-e120S.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Nitric Oxide (Inhaled — iNO) · Selective Pulmonary Vasodilator
- Selexipag · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Macitentan · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Cetuximab · Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody — Head and Neck Cancer
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Betamethasone (Antenatal Corticosteroids) · Corticosteroid (Fetal Lung Maturation)
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.