Related Experiment Videos
Spontaneous resolution of a plasma cell granuloma in a 9-year-old
K C Brown1, V P McCarthy, T Gaines
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville 37920-6999, USA.
Insights
A pediatric plasma cell granuloma, a common benign lung tumor, resolved spontaneously without surgery. This case highlights conservative management as a potential alternative to resection in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Plasma cell granuloma is the most common benign lung tumor in children.
- Standard treatment involves surgical resection, typically segmental or wedge resection.
- Conservative management is being explored as an alternative for confirmed cases.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old boy presented with significant weight loss and a right lung mass.
- Histological examination confirmed a plasma cell granuloma.
- The patient was managed conservatively without surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Serial computed tomography scans showed progressive resolution of the lung lesion.
- The lesion completely resolved within 7 months of conservative management.
- Spontaneous resolution of pediatric plasma cell granulomas is rarely documented.
Implications:
- Conservative management may be a viable option for pediatric plasma cell granulomas with confirmed histology.
- This approach could avoid surgical morbidity in select pediatric cases.
- Further research is warranted to establish the role of non-operative management for these tumors.
Abstract:
A previously healthy 9-year-old white boy presented with a 13-lb weight loss over a period of 4 weeks and a 4.5-cm mass in the right lung. Histology was compatible with a plasma cell granuloma, which is the most common benign childhood lung tumor. Surgical management with segmental or wedge resection is the usual standard of care in this situation. However, it has been suggested that with a confirmed histologic diagnosis surgical resection is not warranted. This patient was managed conservatively. Repeat computed tomography scan 6 weeks later revealed significant resolution of the lesion, and at 7 months the lesion had totally resolved. Spontaneous resolution of this lesion has been rarely described in pediatric populations.