European Radiologists Highlight Gaps in Handling Unexpected Findings During Lung Cancer Scans
Lung cancer screening programmes using low-dose computed tomography are expanding across Europe, driven by recommendations from the European Union and national health authorities. These programmes aim to detect lung cancer at an early stage in high-risk individuals, primarily long-term smokers. However, the scans often reveal abnormalities unrelated to lung cancer, known as incidental findings. A recent European survey of radiologists underscores significant inconsistencies in how these findings are reported and managed, calling for clearer international standards.
The survey, conducted as part of the EU4Health-funded SOLACE project, gathered responses from 147 radiologists across 25 European countries. It revealed wide variation in awareness of regulations and practices, even within the same nation. Many radiologists reported limited guidance on which findings warrant reporting, particularly those outside the chest area such as issues involving the liver, kidneys or thyroid.
The SOLACE Project and Its Focus on Screening Implementation
The SOLACE initiative supports the rollout of lung cancer screening across Europe through collaboration among clinical sites, professional societies and researchers. Hosted in part at University Hospital Heidelberg, the project uses electronic data tools to collect insights from frontline practitioners. Radiologists participating in national programmes, research pilots and other screening activities contributed to the findings, highlighting real-world challenges in daily practice.
European universities play a central role in this work. Departments of radiology and respiratory medicine at institutions in countries including Czechia, France, the United Kingdom and Germany contribute expertise through research, training programmes and guideline development. These academic centres train the next generation of specialists who will interpret screening scans and manage patient pathways.
Key Insights from the Survey of European Radiologists
Respondents described a fragmented regulatory environment. Levels of oversight for lung cancer screening reporting and incidental findings vary from national mandates to regional protocols or research-specific rules, with many areas lacking any formal regulation. For most of the 20 specific findings examined, over half of participants indicated they followed no established rules.
Extra-thoracic findings received the least consistent attention. Fewer than one in ten radiologists described mandatory reporting requirements for abnormalities in solid organs outside the mediastinum. A strong majority agreed that low-dose computed tomography lacks reliability for detailed assessment of these areas, supporting a cautious approach to mandatory reporting.
Thoracic findings such as coronary artery calcification, interstitial lung abnormalities and emphysema showed somewhat more agreement on potential clinical relevance, yet practices still differed markedly between respondents.
Existing European Consensus Statements and Their Limitations
In 2023, six leading European professional societies including the European Respiratory Society, European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Thoracic Imaging and European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics issued a joint statement on managing incidental findings from low-dose CT screening. The document provides a reference guide categorising findings by organ system and suggesting reporting and action thresholds.
While this consensus offers practical direction, the 2026 survey indicates that awareness and adoption remain uneven. Radiologists continue to express differing views on which abnormalities should trigger reporting, underscoring the gap between expert statements and everyday clinical application across diverse healthcare systems.
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Implications for University Research and Specialist Training
The survey results carry direct consequences for higher education institutions. Radiology and medical imaging programmes at European universities must incorporate updated content on incidental findings into curricula and continuing professional development. PhD and postdoctoral researchers in medical physics, epidemiology and health services research are increasingly examining the cost-effectiveness, patient outcomes and ethical dimensions of reporting practices.
Collaborative projects such as SOLACE foster partnerships between universities, hospitals and European societies. These initiatives support evidence generation that can inform future guidelines while providing training opportunities for early-career academics. Departments across the continent are well positioned to lead multicentre studies that address remaining knowledge gaps identified by the survey.
Challenges in Achieving Harmonised Guidelines
Developing uniform international guidelines faces several hurdles. Evidence on the long-term benefits and potential harms of reporting specific incidental findings remains limited. Additional diagnostic work-ups can increase costs, patient anxiety and the risk of unnecessary procedures. Radiologists also differ on the threshold of clinical significance that justifies action.
National healthcare systems vary in resources, screening programme maturity and integration with primary care. These differences complicate efforts to create one-size-fits-all recommendations. The survey authors note that while radiologists broadly support clearer guidance, achieving consensus will require careful balancing of evidence, feasibility and stakeholder perspectives.
Opportunities for Academic Leadership in Guideline Development
European universities and research networks are ideally placed to drive the next phase of work. Academic radiologists can lead systematic reviews, health economic analyses and patient-centred studies that strengthen the evidence base. Multidisciplinary teams involving pulmonologists, epidemiologists, ethicists and health policy experts can address the broader implications of incidental findings management.
Professional societies such as the European Society of Radiology and the European Respiratory Society continue to play pivotal roles in convening experts. University-hosted workshops, conferences and online platforms can accelerate knowledge exchange and consensus building across borders.
Impact on Patient Care and Healthcare Systems Across Europe
Inconsistent reporting practices may lead to unequal care. Some patients could receive additional investigations for findings that others in similar situations do not. This variability risks both over-investigation and missed opportunities for early intervention in clinically relevant conditions.
Standardised approaches could improve equity, reduce unnecessary procedures and support more efficient use of healthcare resources. Clear guidance would also help screening programmes communicate findings transparently to participants and referring physicians, enhancing trust in expanding national initiatives.
Future Outlook for Research, Education and Policy
The survey marks an important milestone in understanding current practices. As more European countries implement or expand lung cancer screening, the demand for robust, evidence-based incidental findings guidance will grow. Academic institutions will remain central to generating the required data, training skilled professionals and shaping policy discussions.
Ongoing projects like SOLACE demonstrate the value of coordinated European efforts. Continued investment in research infrastructure, cross-border collaboration and specialist education will help translate survey insights into improved clinical standards that benefit patients throughout the region.
Conclusion: A Call for Coordinated Action in European Higher Education and Research
The findings from this European survey of radiologists provide a clear signal that current approaches to incidental findings in lung cancer screening require refinement. By leveraging the strengths of universities, professional societies and collaborative projects, Europe can move toward harmonised guidelines that support high-quality, equitable care. Academic leadership will be essential in bridging evidence gaps and preparing the healthcare workforce for the evolving landscape of screening programmes.
