Primary Pulmonary Meningioma Simulating a Pulmonary Metastasis

Area of Science:

• Thoracic oncology
• Diagnostic imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Primary pulmonary meningiomas (PPMs) are exceptionally rare neoplasms.
• Most reported PPMs are solitary and benign, but malignant variants exist.
• Differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules often includes metastatic disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of primary pulmonary meningioma.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges posed by PPMs mimicking metastatic cancer.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing PPMs' radiologic features.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 55-year-old male with a history of buccal cancer.
• Radiologic evaluation using chest computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Clinical and pathological review of the presented case.

Main Results:

• A single, round, small, ground-glass opacity pulmonary nodule was identified on CT.
• The lesion was initially suspected to be a pulmonary metastasis from buccal cancer.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary pulmonary meningioma.

Conclusions:

• Primary pulmonary meningiomas can present as solitary pulmonary nodules, mimicking metastatic disease.
• Awareness of the clinical and radiologic characteristics of PPMs is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Multidisciplinary team collaboration is essential for appropriate management of rare pulmonary tumors.