Cyst-related primary lung malignancies: an important and relatively unknown imaging appearance of (early) lung cancer. (19th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mets, Onno M.; Schaefer-Prokop, Cornelia M.; de Jong, Pim A.
• Is Part Of: European respiratory review. Volume 27:Number 150(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-12-19
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0079-2018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-9180

Abstract

It is well known that lung cancer can manifest itself in imaging as solid and subsolid nodules or masses. However, in this era of increased computed tomography use another morphological computed tomography appearance of lung cancer is increasingly being recognised, presenting as a malignancy in relation to cystic airspaces. Despite the fact that it seems to be a relatively common finding in daily practice, literature on this entity is scarce and presumably the overall awareness is limited. This can lead to misinterpretation and delay in diagnosis and, therefore, increased awareness is urgently needed. This review aims to illustrate the imaging appearances of cyst-related primary lung malignancies, demonstrate its mimickers and potential pitfalls, and discuss the clinical implications based on the available literature and our own experience in four different hospitals. Primary lung cancer can present as cystic airspace with an associated solid component, and seems to be a relatively common imaging phenotype of (early) lung cancer. This morphology is often not recognised and misinterpreted, leading to diagnostic delay. http://ow.ly/hZrJ30mIVX1