Stepwise evolution from a focal pure pulmonary ground-glass opacity nodule into an invasive lung adenocarcinoma: An observation for more than 10 years

Ji Hye Min, Ho Yun Lee, Kyung Soo Lee, Joungho Han, Keunchil Park, Myung Ju Ahn, Su Jin Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

The natural chronologic evolution of a lung cancer manifesting as a pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodule on CT scans still remains to be elucidated. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to determine proper follow-up examinations, particularly in case of GGO nodule growing slowly on serial CT scans. In the current case, we demonstrate serial morphologic (CT) and metabolic (18F-FDG PET) imaging findings in a case of adenocarcinoma, where stepwise progression from a focal pure GGO nodule (presumed atypical adenomatous hyperplasia [AAH] or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma [BAC]) eventually to an invasive adenocarcinoma was clearly depicted for more than 10-year follow-up period. This case seems to be useful for the prediction of tumor growth pattern and aggressiveness of malignant pure GGO nodules. In addition, the evolving process of this case may suggest a guideline for planning an appropriate follow-up examination and management in such cases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-126
Number of pages4
JournalLung Cancer
Volume69
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010

Keywords

  • Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma
  • CT lung neoplasms
  • Follow-up
  • Ground-glass opacity
  • Lung adenocarcinoma
  • PET

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