Lung Nodule Growth Rate Calculator
Assess malignancy risk of lung nodules using the Brock University cancer prediction model
Critical Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and should NOT be used for clinical decision-making without professional medical interpretation.
- Results are statistical probabilities, not definitive diagnoses
- Individual cases may vary significantly from population-based predictions
- Always require radiologist and oncologist evaluation for nodule management
- This tool cannot replace comprehensive clinical assessment
- Urgent medical evaluation is needed for any lung nodule findings
Patient Demographics
Medical History
Chronic lung disease causing shortness of breath
First-line relatives with lung cancer history
Nodule Characteristics
Sunburst or corona radiata sign
Nodule located in upper part of lung
Total number of nodules found
Maximum diameter of largest nodule
CT appearance and density characteristics
Malignancy Risk Assessment
Enter required information to calculate malignancy risk
Age, nodule count, and nodule size are required
Example Risk Assessments
Low Risk Case
Patient: 45-year-old female, no emphysema, no family history
Nodule: 8mm solid nodule, lower lobe, no spiculation
Expected risk: <5% - Routine surveillance appropriate
Moderate Risk Case
Patient: 65-year-old male, emphysema present, no family history
Nodule: 12mm partially solid, upper lobe, no spiculation
Expected risk: 5-15% - Active surveillance recommended
High Risk Case
Patient: 72-year-old male, emphysema, family history positive
Nodule: 18mm solid nodule, upper lobe, spiculated borders
Expected risk: >30% - Urgent tissue sampling needed
Key Risk Factors
Age
Risk increases significantly with age
Male Sex
Higher baseline malignancy risk
Spiculated Borders
Strong predictor of malignancy
Upper Lobe Location
Associated with higher cancer risk
Nodule Size
Larger nodules have higher risk
Management Guidelines
Low Risk (<5%)
Routine CT surveillance at 12 months
Moderate Risk (5-15%)
CT surveillance at 6-12 months or consider PET
High Risk (15-30%)
Consider biopsy, PET scan, or surgical consultation
Very High (>30%)
Tissue sampling or surgical evaluation strongly recommended
About This Model
Based on Brock University cancer prediction equation
Validated for both solitary and multiple nodules
Predicts 2-4 year cancer development risk
Requires professional medical interpretation
Understanding Lung Nodule Risk Assessment
Model Foundation
This calculator uses the Brock University cancer prediction model, validated on large patient populations with lung screening CT scans. The model incorporates patient demographics, medical history, and nodule characteristics to provide statistical malignancy probability.
Key Variables
Patient factors: Age, sex, emphysema, family history
Nodule morphology: Size, type, spiculation, location
Imaging features: Solid vs. ground-glass appearance
Clinical Application
Screening Programs
Helps prioritize follow-up in lung cancer screening programs and optimize resource allocation for high-risk nodules.
Clinical Decision Support
Provides objective risk stratification to guide management decisions between surveillance, further imaging, or tissue sampling.
Patient Counseling
Offers quantitative risk estimates for informed patient discussions about nodule management options and follow-up plans.
Lung Cancer Statistics
Early Detection Impact
1cm nodules detected early can have 5-year survival rates up to 90%
Screening Benefit
Only 16% of lung cancers are diagnosed at early stage without screening
Risk Factors
Smoking accounts for 80-90% of lung cancers in the United States