Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Lung: Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the lung is a rare entity considered to be a benign neoplastic lesion. It often mimics spindle cell sarcoma, fibrous histiocytoma, or fibrosarcoma in histologic appearance. Because of its variable cellular composition, it seldom allows diagnosis preoperatively either through transthoracic fine-needle aspiration or bronchoscopic biopsy. In this report we describe a unique occurrence of a rarely described large inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the lung that mimics a posterior mediastinal tumor in a 45-year-old female, detailing clinical presentation, imaging, and management.

Cavitating lung lesion as a manifestation of inflammatory tumor (pseudotumor) of the lung: A case report and literature review

“…Results reported by Kim et al [3] agree with a report [15] that the clinical symptoms emerging in the sequel of inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung were cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and dyspnea. Focusing on cough, this was mainly attributed to the central endobronchial location of the lung pseudotumor, causing a compression [5] or obstruction [16] effect.…”

“…Radiologic findings vary, including a solitary nodule that can mimic primary or metastatic neoplasm, non-homogenous opacity, pleural effusion, atelectasis, and opacities with calcifications, which are more common in children [5]. In some cases, patients are found to have enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes or a posterior mediastinal mass [5].…”

“…According to chest computed tomography (chest CT scan), a cavitary lesion was found only in 1 patient [4]. A case of a large inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking a posterior mediastinal tumor was also published in 2008 [5]. Chest X-ray (CXR) and chest CT scan revealed a soft-tissue mass, without cavitation, located in the right lung’s lower lobe [5].…”

“…A case of a large inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking a posterior mediastinal tumor was also published in 2008 [5]. Chest X-ray (CXR) and chest CT scan revealed a soft-tissue mass, without cavitation, located in the right lung’s lower lobe [5]. The tumor was surgically excised and necrosis was found in the central region [5].…”

“…Chest X-ray (CXR) and chest CT scan revealed a soft-tissue mass, without cavitation, located in the right lung’s lower lobe [5]. The tumor was surgically excised and necrosis was found in the central region [5]. In 2009, a case of a solid lung pseudotumor was reported as an initial presentation of Wegener’s granulomatosis [6].…”