Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Lung: Report of 2 cases

ABSTRACT

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung is histologically and ultrastructurally identical to the salivary gland tumor of the same name and is characterized by infiltrative growth, local recurrence, and usually a prolonged clinical course. We have recently experienced two cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in the lung. Case 1 was a 59 year-old male who presented with cough, fever, and chill of 1.5 months' duration, and case 2 was a 61 year-old male who was incidentally found to have a 3 to 4 cm sized lobulated mass in the right upper lobe. After being worked up, both patients underwent right pneumonectomy. In case 1, a 3x2 cm sized tumor was located in the lower bronchus, partly elevating toward the lumen and partly infiltrating into regional lymph nodes and lung parenchyma showing grayish-white and solid cut surface. Case 2 was a 3.5x3.5 cm sized upper bronchial tumor resembling the former in appearance. Histologically, the tumors were composed of small round hyperchromatic cells, forming solid, cribriform, acinar, or tubular structures. Luminal spaces in tumor cell nests contained PAS-positive mucinous or hyaline material. Among the tumor cells, scattered islands of normal submucosal gland were noticed.