A rare presentation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma as a cavitary pulmonary mass with hypercalcemia

Abstract Cavitary lung lesions found on chest imaging may point to various diseases. These lesions may be caused by numerous etiologies, such as infection, inflammatory diseases, or malignancy. Thus, its etiology may be challenging to differentiate using imaging alone. Differential diagnoses are cre...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hsu‐Yuan Chen, Yu‐Chu Kuo, Wen‐Chien Cheng, Wei‐Cheng Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2022-08-01
Series:Thoracic Cancer
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/1759-7714.14571
Description
Summary:Abstract Cavitary lung lesions found on chest imaging may point to various diseases. These lesions may be caused by numerous etiologies, such as infection, inflammatory diseases, or malignancy. Thus, its etiology may be challenging to differentiate using imaging alone. Differential diagnoses are created using a combination of clinical symptoms, medical history, laboratory results, and physical examination. Primary pulmonary lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) are rare differentials. Here, we report a case of ALCL that initially presented with back pain, intermittent fever, hemoptysis, hypercalcemia, and bilateral multiple cavitary lung nodules. Because a cavitary pulmonary mass with sustained hypercalcemia is commonly seen in patients with squamous cell carcinomas or pulmonary tuberculosis, patients with ALCL may be misdiagnosed and undergo delayed treatment. This study highlights that ALCL should be considered in patients presenting with a cavitary pulmonary mass and hypercalcemia.
ISSN:1759-7706
1759-7714