An 82-year-old woman who has never smoked is evaluated because of a persistent cough. Chest radiograph shows several lung nodules and infiltrates. There are no significant findings on physical examination. The patient reports no weight loss. Blood studies show no abnormalities. CT scans confirm pulmonary involvement only, and results of bone scan and CT scan of the head are normal. The patient most likely has which of the following histologic types of lung cancer?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma (now more commonly referred to as adenocarcinoma in situ or minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, depending on the extent of invasion) often presents with multiple lung nodules and infiltrates on imaging, which can mimic pneumonia or other diffuse lung diseases, especially in non-smokers.

An 82-Year-Old Woman Who Has Never Smoked Is Evaluated Because