Pulmonary carcinoid tumor masquerading as a synovial sarcoma

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pulmonary carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms.
• Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma with distinct molecular features.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old man presented with dyspnea and a 3.5 cm pulmonary mass.
• The mass exhibited morphological features resembling monophasic synovial sarcoma.

Findings:

• Immunohistochemical studies were inconclusive for synovial sarcoma.
• Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were negative for synovial sarcoma.
• The pulmonary mass was ultimately diagnosed as a pulmonary carcinoid tumor.

Implications:

• Pulmonary carcinoid tumors can exhibit diverse morphological presentations.
• This case underscores the importance of considering neuroendocrine differentiation in pulmonary masses with unusual morphology.
• Recognizing these varied presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.