Pulmonary infarct cytologically mimicking adenocarcinoma of the lung.
We describe a patient who underwent a right lower lobectomy for a lung lesion with a preoperative diagnosis of adenocarcinoma made on sputum cytology. Pathologic assessment of the resected specimen revealed a pulmonary infarct with no evidence of malignancy. All thoracic surgeons should be aware of this diagnostic pitfall. A positive sputum specimen should not always be regarded as definitive evidence of malignancy. Instead a full assessment of all available information should be made if unnecessary surgery is to be avoided.
Lawther
Roger E
RE
Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. roger.lawther@talk21.com
Graham
Alastair N J
AN
McCluggage
W Glenn
WG
McGuigan
James A
JA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007238:Infarction / Q000473:pathology*; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*