Thin-layer CT has higher resolution than plain CT, and if available, it is recommended that patients with lung nodules use thin-layer CT to review their lung nodules.
Conventional plain CT scanning is the most widely used CT scanning in clinical practice, which requires low equipment and is inexpensive. The layer spacing of plain CT is usually 5-10 mm, and due to the limitation of layer thickness, nodules smaller than 1 cm (especially smaller than 5 mm) are often not detected, resulting in missed diagnosis.
Thin-layer CT is generally defined as a layer spacing of 5 mm or less. High resolution CT (HRCT) can achieve even smaller layer spacing. The thinner the layer, the more images are scanned, the clearer the structures and lesions are shown, and the more useful it is for evaluating the disease.
The imaging modality chosen for patients with pulmonary nodules varies depending on their condition. It is recommended to follow the doctor’s instructions for specific tests to avoid delays.