For low-risk solitary pulmonary nodules, what characteristic is NOT true?

When considering low-risk solitary pulmonary nodules, the characteristic that is not true is that the patient can be a smoker. Generally, smoking is a significant risk factor for lung cancer and associated pulmonary nodules. In the context of low-risk nodules, patients are often non-smokers or have minimal smoking histories, as the presence of smoking increases the likelihood of malignancy.

On the other hand, the other characteristics align with the definition of low-risk solitary pulmonary nodules. Nodule size being less than 2 cm is a key factor, as nodules of this size are generally considered to have a lower probability of being malignant. Additionally, patients under the age of 35 tend to have a lower incidence of lung cancer, contributing to the low-risk classification of their pulmonary nodules. Lastly, following up with imaging every 3-6 months is a standard practice to monitor the growth of the nodule and ensure it remains benign. Such follow-ups help in timely identification of any changes that could raise concern, consistent with the management of low-risk nodules.