Open AccessPrimary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lung presenting with acute atelectasis
Author(s) -
Han Sang Hoon,
Maeng Young Hee,
Kim Young Sill,
Jo Jae Min,
Kwon Jung Mi,
Kim Woo Kun,
Kim Mi Ok
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
thoracic cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1759-7714
pISSN - 1759-7706
DOI - 10.1111/1759-7714.12027
Subject(s) - medicine , atelectasis , lymphoma , anaplastic large cell lymphoma , lung , radiology , biopsy , large cell , exacerbation , pneumonia , pathology , adenocarcinoma , cancer
N on‐ H odgkin lymphoma only rarely occurs as a primary lung mass. We report a very rare case of primary pulmonary anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting with acute atelectasis in a 55‐year‐old man. Chest computed tomography revealed a consolidated central mass in the left lung with obstructive pneumonia that had developed into total atelectasis. After a bronchoscopic examination failed to yield a definite diagnosis, supraclavicular lymph node biopsy was performed, revealing an anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This case illustrates the need for rapidly locating a possible biopsy site, other than the primary lung mass itself, and the value of empirical steroid treatment for avoiding devastating exacerbation when aggressive pulmonary lymphoma is suspected.