The Risk of Misdiagnosing Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma as Traumatic Pseudocyst in a Young Adult

Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 Apr;107(4):e279-e280. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.07.096. Epub 2018 Oct 10.

Abstract

A 35-year-old man was transferred to our institution because of bruising on the chest. A computed tomography scan revealed a pulmonary pseudocyst. Although the pulmonary pseudocyst remained unchanged it accumulated fluid. Based on our concern regarding hemoptysis, the patient underwent S6 segmentectomy of the right lower lobe. The postoperative pathological examination revealed a cystic lesion, including a white mass on the cystic wall. Unexpectedly, the mass was composed of papillary adenocarcinoma. Acute care surgeons should be alert to the possible presence of tumor in trauma patients. A cystic lesion must be carefully distinguished from a traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst and lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung / surgery
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Contusions / diagnosis
  • Contusions / etiology
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / surgery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thoracic Injuries / complications
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods