The role of interventional pulmonology in management of pulmonary nodules during lung cancer screening.

Abstract

The implementation of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography has significantly increased the detection of pulmonary nodules, most of which are peripherally located and difficult to access. Effectively addressing these findings remains a clinical challenge, particularly in balancing diagnostic accuracy with procedural risk. Advances in interventional pulmonology have enabled minimally invasive approaches that may support both diagnosis and treatment, especially in selected patients with peripherally located nodules or limited surgical options. However, evidence on their effectiveness, accessibility and integration into screening workflows remains variable. In this review, we discuss the current role of interventional pulmonology in the context of lung cancer screening, outlining its potential benefits, limitations, and areas requiring further research to define its place within multidisciplinary care.