The Diagnostic Accuracy of a Novel Scoring System Using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography to Diagnose Lung Cancer

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause amongst the cancer deaths in the world. Detection of malignancy at an early stage and with precision is the utmost objective of radiological evaluation. The final diagnosis of lung cancer is histopathological evaluation of the mass. The authors hereby have tried to convert the multi-detector CT (MDCT) characteristics and patient demographics into quantitative data to formulate a scoring system that can predict lung malignancy as close to histopathology as possible. Materials and methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, 104 cases of suspected lung cancer by history, clinical and radiographic evaluation were enrolled in the study. These patients were undergoing CT thorax (contrast) on 384 slice siemens somatom force. After undergoing the radiological evaluation biopsy of the mass was done either by CT guided or bronchoscopy guided. Radiological and histopathological findings were correlated. Patients aged >50, lymphadenopathy, tumor volume >50 cc, enhancement >15 HU (Hounsfield unit) after contrast injection were given a score of 15 each. History of smoking, bronchus cut off, spiculated/lobulated margins, mediastinal/pleural involvement, and angiogram sign positive were given a score of 20 each. So, a maximum score of 160 can be achieved by history and MDCT evaluation. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT by using conventional parameters against histopathology was 97.5%, 85%, 96.29%, 89.47%, and 95.0%. The sensitivity and specificity calculated through Receiver-Operating-Characteristic (ROC) for predicting malignancy were found to be 98.8% and 90.0% for a cut-off score of >97.5 out of maximum of 160. Conclusion: MDCT serves as a tool for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and it is the utmost important tool for cases where biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is not possible. By creating a quantitative criterion to diagnose lung malignancy, the subjective nature of MDCT diagnosis can be converted into an objective based evaluation.