Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma presenting as a complex bronchocele: a case report

Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare variety of lung cancer. It is characterized pathologically by copious mucin production predominantly in the extracellular space. This tumour has a remarkably favorable prognosis.

We present imaging and histopathological findings of primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma presenting as a complex bronchocele in a 67-year-old Caucasian woman.

Diagnosis of pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma should be considered in patients presenting with bronchocele that has suspicious imaging features, because the results of fine needle aspiration cytology and bronchoscopy are frequently inconclusive in these tumours. Positive emission tomography has an important role in helping to identify these tumours.