Pulmonary mucinous cystadenoma complicated with infection

Abstract

Abstract Rationale: Mucinous cystadenoma is a benign tumor that is commonly found in the pancreas, ovaries, or appendix, but is rarely encountered in the lungs. Worldwide, only a few reported cases of these tumors originate in the lungs. Herein, we analyzed the imaging features of a case of pulmonary mucinous cystadenoma (PMCA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PMCA complicated by significant infection. Patient concerns: A 57-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with blood in sputum for more than 2\u200amonths. Serum laboratory examination showed significantly elevated leukocyte and tumor marker, carcinoembryonic antigen. Enhanced thoracic computed tomography and whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a cystic-solid ill-defined mass in the right upper lung. Diagnosis: The tumor was considered malignant, both clinically and radiologically. Interventions: The patient underwent right upper lobe tumor resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Outcomes: Postoperative specimen pathology was diagnosed as PMCA with infection. The patient was not administered any further treatment. The patient was alive without any recurrence or metastasis of the tumor after 2\u200ayears of follow-up. Lessons: Preoperative diagnosis of PMCA with atypical imaging and clinical manifestations is extremely difficult. This is the first reported case of PMCA complicated by a significant infection that was misdiagnosed preoperatively as a malignancy.