High-Resolution Computed Tomography Findings of Lung Cancer Associated With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of lung cancer associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thirty patients with lung cancer who had preceding IPF and were receiving regular follow-up between 1993 and 2002 were examined. Medical records, radiographs (including HRCT scans), and histologic slides were reviewed. In 28 of the 30 patients, the most common HRCT pattern of lung cancer was a nodular lesion with soft tissue attenuation. Nodule margins were well defined in 23 lesions (82.1%), associated with lobulation in 24 (85.7%), or characterized by spiculation in 14 (50%). Air bronchogram was observed in 16 lesions (57.1%). All nodules were located in the peripheral area of fibrotic lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most frequent histologic types. The typical HRCT findings of lung cancer were well-defined nodular lesions with lobulation in peripheral areas of the lung.