Final answer:
Coin lesions are circular, coin-like shadows seen on imaging studies such as chest x-rays or CT scans; they can be symptomatic or asymptomatic and might indicate a benign condition or something more serious like cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coin lesions refer to round shadows that appear on chest x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. They are named for their circular, coin-like shape and can have various causes, including benign conditions such as granulomas, or they might represent something more serious like a lung cancer or metastasis. These lesions are typically found incidentally on imaging studies done for other reasons, as they can be asymptomatic, especially when small. However, if they are symptomatic, they might cause cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), or shortness of breath depending on their size and location. The content loaded on imaging like x-rays or CT scans reveals the size, edge characteristics, and the number of lesions, which are important clues in diagnosing the underlying condition. The importance of identifying coin lesions lies not only in the need to diagnose potentially serious conditions but also in the reassurance and management when they are found to be benign.