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Cystic bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma
Bradley S Sabloff1, Ignacio I Wistuba, Jeremy J Erasmus
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. bsabloff@di.mdacc.tmc.edu
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|April 9, 2005
Summary
Bronchioloalveolar cell carcinomas (BACs) are rare lung cancers. This case highlights BAC presenting as chronic cough and bilateral opacities, emphasizing the need for accurate radiologic interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Bronchioloalveolar cell carcinomas (BACs) are a rare subtype of lung adenocarcinoma.
- BACs typically affect individuals aged 40-70, with a predilection for women and a weaker association with smoking compared to other non-small cell lung cancers.
Observation:
- BACs exhibit diverse histological growth patterns, primarily lepidic.
- Radiologically, BAC commonly presents as solitary nodules, airspace disease, or multiple nodules.
- Rare presentations include cystic and cavitary patterns.
Findings:
- This report details a young woman with BAC presenting with chronic cough and bilateral air-containing opacities.
- The initial presentation was misdiagnosed as an infectious process.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of BAC requires awareness of its varied radiologic manifestations.
- Correlating imaging findings with clinical history is crucial for timely diagnosis and to prevent misinterpretation of BAC.