Cytologic features of benign solitary pulmonary nodules with radiologic correlation and diagnostic pitfalls: a report of six cases.

Background: The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a common radiologic abnormality often detected incidentally. The majority of SPNs represent benign processes, including granulotmatous inflammation, bronchogenic cysts and hamartomata. However, a solitary nodule may also potentially represent an early stage of lung cancer or a metastasis.