title: Lymphangitis carcinomatosa: a literature review.
abstract: Intrathoracic metastases occur in 30-40% of patients with malignant disease. In this group 6-8% have lymphangitis carcinomatosa. This review examines the pathogenesis, investigation and treatment of lymphangitis carcinomatosa. The 40-49 years age group is most commonly affected. In 46% of patients respiratory symptoms are the initial presentation of the underlying carcinoma. The most common underlying primary tumours are breast (33%), stomach (29%) and lung cancers (17%). Approximately 50% die within 3 months of their first respiratory symptoms but those with a prostatic primary carcinoma may have good remission with adjuvant hormonal therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Aberdeen.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Heys
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Eremin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008205:Lymphangitis; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology