A small primary lung lesion had remained unchanged in size over a period of 8 years.
Within the ensuing 2 years rapid tumor growth occurred. On operation the surgical
specimen revealed a tumor mass of 87.2 cm3. Within 6 months after resection, the tumor occurred on the same side. Extensive
tumor infiltration of the chest wall prevented any further surgery. The histo-morphologic
picture of both lesions was consistent with a lymphangiosarcoma without evidence of
high grade malignancy. The patient died of cardio-respiratory insufficiency due to
extension of the tumor mass. Unfortunately no autopsy was performed. Tumor growth
rates, macroscopic reconstruction and electron microscopic evaluations are presented.
This case report again points out that size and long-time stability of solitary lung
nodules are not necessarily reliable criteria for assessing prognosis.
Pulmonary lymphangiosarcoma - Tumor growth - Tumor reconstruction
