A spiculated lung lesion is a mass or nodule in the lung that has
irregular, spiky, or radiating edges on imaging, particularly seen on
CT scans. This spiculated or star-like appearance suggests the
presence of fibrous tissue extending from the lesion into the
surrounding lung parenchyma, which can be a sign of malignancy.
Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of spiculated
lesions, but they can also be seen in cases of infections,
inflammatory conditions, or benign tumors. The pathogenesis
involves the abnormal growth of cells that lead to the distortion of
the normal lung architecture, creating a spiculated appearance.
Diagnosis requires careful evaluation of the size, shape, and growth
of the lesion on imaging, and spiculated lesions often prompt
further investigation with PET scans, biopsies, or bronchoscopy to
determine if they are cancerous. Due to the higher likelihood of
malignancy, spiculated lung lesions require timely diagnostic follow
up.