[An autopsy case of asbestos-related pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung]

A 50-year-old man with a history of asbestos inhalation developed symptoms related to a metastatic brain tumor was admitted. Chest X-ray images showed an opacity in the left lower lung field. We were unable to differentiate between lung cancer and malignant pleural tumor using either transbronchial lung biopsy or computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsy. After 3 months the patient died from rapid disease progression despite radiation therapy, drainage of large quantities of the pleural effusion and chemotherapy. A diagnosis of asbestos-related pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung was made after autopsy and immunohistochemical examination of the tumor.