Final answer:
Radiographic features of a malignant pulmonary nodule include irregular borders, a spiculated appearance, a size larger than 6 mm, rapid growth, and cavitation with irregular walls, often accompanied by pleural effusions or multiple nodules suggestive of metastases.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining a pulmonary nodule on a radiograph, certain features suggest that it may be malignant. A malignant nodule is typically indicated by certain characteristics, including irregular borders, a spiculated or starburst appearance, larger size (generally more than 6 mm in diameter), rapid growth (indicated by serial radiographs), and the presence of cavitation with thick, irregular walls rather than smooth, benign-appearing ones.
Furthermore, if the nodule is associated with other signs on the radiograph such as pleural effusions, or if multiple nodules suggest metastases, it further raises suspicion of malignancy. It's important to correlate these radiographic findings with the patient's clinical history and consider additional diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan or biopsy, for a definitive diagnosis.