Diagnostic and clinical features of lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces.

Diagnostic and clinical features of lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces. J Thorac Dis. 2019 Mar;11(3):987-1004 Authors: Snoeckx A, Reyntiens P, Carp L, Spinhoven MJ, El Addouli H, Van Hoyweghen A, Nicolay S, Van Schil PE, Pauwels P, van Meerbeeck JP, Parizel PM Abstract "Lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces" is an uncommon manifestation, in which lung cancer presents on imaging studies with a cystic area with associated consolidation and/or ground glass. With the widespread use of computed tomography (CT), both in clinical practice and for lung cancer screening, these tumors are being more frequently recognized. An association of this entity with smoking has been established with the majority of cases reported being in former and current smokers. The true pathogenesis of the cystic airspace is not yet fully understood. Different causes of this cystic airspace have been described, including a check-valve mechanism obstructing the small airways, lepidic growth of adenocarcinoma on emphysematous lung parenchyma, cyst formation of tumor and tumor growth along the wall of a pre-existing bulla. Adenocarcinoma is the commonest histological type, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Two classification systems have been described, based on morphological features of the lesion, taking into account both the cystic airspace as well as the morphology of the surrounding consolidation or ground glass. The cystic component may misle...
Source: Journal of Thoracic Disease - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: J Thorac Dis Source Type: research