Thin-wall cystic lung cancer: A study of 45 cases

Thin-wall cystic lung cancer is uncommon. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the features of this type of lung cancer, which may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. The aim of the present study is to understand the invasiveness and metastasis of thin-wall cystic lung cancer. The prognosis of this type of cancer will also be discussed. The present study attempted to determine the pathological interpretation of the imaging results. A total of 45 patients with this specific type of lung cancer were analyzed retrospectively based on the review of medical records, radiological findings, pathological changes and treatment strategies. Certain patients were also telephoned in order to learn about their recent physical conditions. Thin-wall cystic lung cancer displayed suspected malignant signs. The majority of these cases are adenocarcinoma, but certain cases of squamous cell carcinoma may also display cysts on their images. Although thin-wall cystic lung cancer is often thought to progress slowly, certain cases may progress rapidly. Distant metastasis, which is relatively rare, occurred in three cases. Cancer cells proliferate along the terminal bronchioles and destroy the lung tissues exposing the bronchial arteries and adjacent bronchi. Therefore, separation in cysts on the images was observed. In the majority of cases, the thin-wall cystic lung cancer proliferates slowly, but in a few cases it may be very aggressive.