[Bronchopulmonary "tumouriet" Rare aetiology of an isolated rounded opacity (author's transl)]

In the case described, the onset of haemoptysis led to the discovery of a rounded opacity at the left base. All investigations being negative, thoracotomy was performed. The diagnosis could then be made by histology. Bronchopulmonary "tumourlets" are rarely seen (184 cases) masses of epithelial cells which are usually discovered by chance within areas of altered pulmonary tissue. Forms with clinical or radiological manifestations are extremely rare, only 4 other cases having been described. The pathogenesis of these tumours has been the object of recent ultrastructural studies which have shown the relationship which exists between "tumourlet" and carcinoid tumour. It would thus seem reasonable to classify "tumourlets" amongst the tumours of the diffuse endocrine system. The authors nevertheless feel that it would be premature to name them as bronchial carcinoids of tumourlet type. The concept of "tumourlet" as a separate entity should be retained.