Abstract
BackgroundCystic airspace is an uncommon imaging manifestation involved in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Diffuse cystic lesion is even rarer as pulmonary manifestation of NSCLC. In the present study, we reported a rare case of NSCLC associated with progressive diffusion of cystic lesions misdiagnosed as Pulmonary langerhans cell histocytosis (PLCH), finally diagnosed by transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB).Case presentationA 52-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to cough and dyspnea. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) presented diffuse cystic shadow mostly, concomitantly with nodular densities in bilateral lungs. A lung biopsy revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with vascular tumor emboli. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation on exon 18 (G719X, G719) was detected by mutation test. The patient received treatment of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (afatinib).ConclusionsDiffuse cystic lesion can be a rare manifestation of lung cancer. It was important to improve the recognition of diffuse cystic lung diseases to avoid misdiagnosis.
Highlights
Cystic airspace is an uncommon imaging manifestation involved in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC)
Diffuse cystic lesion can be a rare manifestation of lung cancer
Diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are a group of pathophysiologically heterogenous processes characterized by the formation of multiple thin-walled cystic lesions in the lung parenchyma [1]
Summary
Cystic airspace is an uncommon imaging manifestation involved in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Conclusions: Diffuse cystic lesion can be a rare manifestation of lung cancer. It was important to improve the recognition of diffuse cystic lung diseases to avoid misdiagnosis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
