Journal List > Tuberc Respir Dis > v.72(2) > 1001720

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Lee, Jeon, Kim, Ju, Bae, Min, Ahn, Seo, Jegal, Kwon, Cha, and Ra: Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Progressing to Multiple Cystic Lesions in a 29-Year-Old Man
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2012; 72(2): 203-206.

Published online: 29 February 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2012.72.2.203

Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Progressing to Multiple Cystic Lesions in a 29-Year-Old Man

Hyun Seong Lee, M.D.1, Jae Wan Jeon, M.D.1, Jae Hee Kim, M.D.1, Hyeong Uk Ju, M.D.1, Joong Gi Bae, M.D.1, Young Ju Min, M.D.1, Jong-Joon Ahn, M.D.1, Kwang Won Seo, M.D.1, Yangjin Jegal, M.D.1, Woon Jung Kwon, M.D.2, Hee Jeong Cha, M.D.3, Seung Won Ra, M.D.1

1Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.

2Department of Radiology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.

3Department of Pathology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Seung Won Ra, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 290-3, Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan 682-714, Korea. Phone: 82-52-250-7029, FAX: 82-52-250-8858, 7048, docra@docra.pe.kr

Received 14 November 2011       Revised 23 November 2011       Accepted 24 December 2011

Copyright © 2012. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Cystic lesions or progressive cystic changes in adenocarcinoma of the lung have rarely been reported. We report a case of lung adenocarcinoma that progressed from ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidations or nodules to extensive cystic lesions during 12 months in a young adult patient. A 29-year-old male was initially diagnosed with primary lung adenocarcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy of the right lower lobe and lung to lung metastasis in both lungs according to imaging findings. The initial chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed multifocal GGOs, consolidations, and nodules in both lungs. Despite treatment with palliative chemotherapy, the patient's follow-up CT scans showed multiple, cystic changes in both lungs and that the lesions had progressed more extensively. He died of hypoxic respiratory failure one year after his diagnosis.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma, Cysts, Radiology

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Serial CXR and CT images. (A) Initial CXR and CT show ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidations in the right lower lobe as well as ill-defined, centrilobular nodules in both lungs. (B) Follow-up CXR and CT obtained 6 months later show extension of the lesions and newly developed small cysts in consolidation of the right lower lobe. (C, D) Follow-up CXR and CT images obtained 10 months and 12 months after the initial CXR and CT show a gradually increasing extent of dense consolidations and cysts in both lungs. CXR: chest radiographies; CT: computed tomography.
trd-72-203-g001
Figure 2
Histologic findings of a transbronchial lung biopsy show well-differentiated adenocarcinomas with a papillary to solid-growth pattern (hematoxylin and eosin stain, ×200).
trd-72-203-g002

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