Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2025

08:01
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
1.9K
Spindle Cell Carcinoma Presenting as a Massive Pleural Effusion.
Moutaz Ghrewati1, Anas Mahmoud2, Malina Mohtadi2
1Oncology, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson, USA.
Cureus
|March 22, 2024
Summary
This case report highlights a rare spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC), a subset of sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) in the lung. Diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to limited research on this aggressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sarcomatoid carcinomas (SC) are rare, aggressive non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs).
- Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a very rare subtype of SC, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Limited literature exists on SpCC, making prognosis and treatment strategies unclear.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with worsening dyspnea and fatigue.
- Chest X-ray revealed an extensive left-sided pleural effusion.
- CT scan identified a pleural-based mass consistent with SpCC.
Findings:
- The case details the diagnostic journey of a patient with SpCC.
- The presentation varied, involving a pleural effusion and a distinct mass.
- The patient was referred for specialized care at a university hospital.
Implications:
- This case underscores the heterogeneity and diagnostic difficulty of lung sarcomatoid carcinomas.
- Further research into SpCC is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Understanding rare NSCLC subtypes like SpCC is vital for advancing lung cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
957
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
957
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
166
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
166
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
204
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
204
Pleura of the Lungs
1.8K
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
1.8K
Pneumothorax-II
142
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
142
Metastasis
5.5K
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
5.5K

