Abstract
BackgroundAdenocarcinoma with lepidic growth pattern presents as a ground glass nodule (GGN) on high resolution computed tomography (CT), whereas peripheral pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually presents as a solid nodule. We herein report a rare case of pulmonary SCC extending along the alveolar lumen representing as a GGN on a CT scan in a patient with pneumoconiosis.Case presentationA 77-year-old man with pneumoconiosis was found to have a gradually enlarging GGN in the right lower lobe of the lung on CT. An adenocarcinoma of the lung was suspected. The GGN was successfully resected by thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Pathological examination of the resected specimen was pathologically diagnosed as a stage IA SCC extending along the alveolar lumen. The patient had no evidence of recurrence 19 months after surgery.ConclusionsSCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripherally located GGNs, especially in patients at high risk of SCC of the lung such as those with pneumoconiosis.
Highlights
Adenocarcinoma with lepidic growth pattern presents as a ground glass nodule (GGN) on high resolution computed tomography (CT), whereas peripheral pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually presents as a solid nodule
SCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripherally located GGNs, especially in patients at high risk of SCC of the lung such as those with pneumoconiosis
Adenocarcinoma with lepidic growth pattern presents as a GGN on high resolution CT, whereas peripheral pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually presents as a solid nodule
Summary
We here report a rare case of pulmonary SCC presenting as a GGN on high resolution CT in a patient with pneumoconiosis, which is a risk factor for peripheral pulmonary SCC. We highlight that the differential diagnosis of peripherally located GGNs should include an SCC extending along the alveolar lumen and that these tumors may be more aggressive than adenocarcinomas presenting as GGNs. Authors’ contributions YT performed the surgery, perioperative management of the patient, and drafted the manuscript. MS performed the surgery, perioperative management of the patient, and revised the manuscript. HK, KN, JN, and MA performed perioperative management of the patient. Author details 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. Author details 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. 2Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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