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Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Original Article

HRCT findings of small cell lung cancer measuring 30 mm or less located in the peripheral lung

Authors: Taiga Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Tsuneo Matsumoto, Kazuhiro Ueda, Yoshinobu Hoshii, Yoshie Kunihiro, Toshiki Tanaka, Masataro Hayashi, Naofumi Matsunaga

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the high-resolution CT (HRCT) features of peripherally located small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the HRCT findings of 33 patients with peripherally located SCLC measuring 30 mm or less. The shape and marginal and internal characteristics of the nodules were evaluated. We also assessed the differences in these HRCT findings associated with the differences in the stages of disease. In 10 surgically treated cases, the HRCT-pathological correlations were evaluated.

Results

The findings of a well-defined margin (97.0 %), lobulation (78.8 %), thickening of the bronchovascular bundle (BVB) (57.6 %) and inhomogeneous enhancement (64.0 %) were common. A vermiform/branching and polygonal shape were observed in 33.3 and 21.2 % of cases, respectively. Air bronchograms (15.2 %) and marginal ground-glass opacity (GGO) (3.0 %) were less common findings. The vermiform/branching shape and thickening of the BVB were more frequently observed in non-stage I than in stage I tumors. The pathologic findings showed expansive tumor growth along the lymphatics and minimal necrosis between the tumor nests.

Conclusion

A non-round shape and thickening of the BVB were common, while marginal GGO and air bronchogram were less common in small-sized, peripherally located SCLC. Furthermore, the vermiform/branching shape and thickening of the BVB suggested relatively advanced disease.
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Metadata
Title
HRCT findings of small cell lung cancer measuring 30 mm or less located in the peripheral lung
Authors
Taiga Kobayashi
Nobuyuki Tanaka
Tsuneo Matsumoto
Kazuhiro Ueda
Yoshinobu Hoshii
Yoshie Kunihiro
Toshiki Tanaka
Masataro Hayashi
Naofumi Matsunaga
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-014-0381-2

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