Differentiating benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules through exhaled breath analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with early detection significantly improving survival. Lung nodules are a common finding, both as incidental solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and in lung cancer screening programmes. Accurately distinguishing benign from malignant nodules, particularly small ones, remains challenging. Determining which nodules require further investigation is crucial for optimising early lung cancer detection and reducing unnecessary procedures. Therefore, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath are analysed using multicapillary column/ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS) to differentiate malignant from benign SPNs, serving as potential biomarkers for lung cancer.

Methods

A total of 65 patients w

SUBMITTER: Zwijsen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12907813 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature