A rare tumor of the lung: inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare benign lesion whose tumor origin is now proven. It represents 0.7% of all lung tumors. We report the case of a three-year-old child who suffered from a chronic cough with recurrent respiratory infections. Chest X-ray and computed tomography revealed the presence of a left lower lobe lung mass. After pneumonectomy, histological examination combined with immunohistochemical study discovered an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/8722069326962972.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumour of Lung, Masquerading As Tuberculosis – A Case Report

“…[2] However, most patients are asymptomatic and the tumor is discovered incidentally on a chest X-ray performed for another reason. [2] The symptoms in our patient were breathlessness, weight loss, anorexia and low grade fever promoting a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Currently, surgery is the mainstay of the treatment for IMTs.…”

“…Immunohistochemical positivity for ALK is detectable in just over half of the cases with cytoplasmic staining, more rarely at the nuclear membrane. [2] …”

“…IMT has three histological subtypes: one is a richly vascularized and myxoid resembling fasciitis or granulation tissue; another is a compact fascicular spindle cell proliferation with variable collagenized regions and lymphoid nodules, resembling fibromatosis, and finally a very sclero-hyaline, slightly cellular pattern which looks like a desmoid tumor. [2] The differential diagnosis of this lesion depends on the clinicopathologic setting, including the patient's age, gender, tumor location, and number of lesions. Differentiation from inflammatory leiomyosarcoma may pose a problem.…”

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“…The tumor occurs most commonly in children and young adults, and its cause is not completely understood. 1,2 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been held responsible in some reported cases of IMT. [1][2][3] Another tumor (which was known to be related with EBV) is posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).…”

“…1,2 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been held responsible in some reported cases of IMT. [1][2][3] Another tumor (which was known to be related with EBV) is posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). We report a case of a 2-year-old boy who underwent a liver transplant 1 year earlier who presented with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor involving the lungs.…”