Radiologic findings of bronchogenic carcinoma with pulmonary metastases at presentation

Clin Radiol. 1999 Oct;54(10):665-8. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9260(99)91088-7.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the radiologic findings in patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma and pulmonary metastases at presentation.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma who at presentation had pulmonary metastases.

Results: Fourteen (52%) men and 13 (48%) women with a mean age of 60 years were identified. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histology (70%). The number of nodules varied, although 78% of patients had greater than 50 nodules. Nodules size ranged from 2 to 30 mm, but 82% of patients had nodules less than 10 mm in diameter. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen in 41% of patients, and pleural disease in 44% of patients. Only 37% had radiologic evidence of extrathoracic disease, with bone metastases (30%) being the most common.

Conclusion: Multiple pulmonary nodules may be the presenting thoracic manifestation of primary bronchogenic carcinoma, with patterns of metastases and survival rates similar to other stage IV patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / secondary
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed