Pulmonary infarct cytologically mimicking adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Lawther, Roger E; Graham, Alastair N J; McCluggage, W Glenn; McGuigan, James A · Ann Thorac Surg · 2002

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

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.

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