Unusual radiologic presentations of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.
Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma appears with variable radiologic features. The usual findings include a single nodule, multiple nodules, or areas of consolidation in lung. An air bronchogram in an area of nodular or mass-like density is also a well-known feature. We here report six patients whose disease illustrates interesting or unusual aspects of this neoplasm. The findings include: Minimal radiological signs despite diffuse disease found on CT scan or at surgery (two patients). Thickening of the wall of a preexisting lung cavity: presumed bronchogenic cyst. Expansile lobar consolidation without an air bronchogram simulating pleural disease. An elongated lobulated area of mass-like density resembling mucoid impaction. Homogeneous lobar atelectasis without an air bronchogram. Consideration of these varied features may aid in the radiological diagnosis of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.
D002282:Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed