TENTATIVE DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG-CANCER IN A PATIENT WITH LIPOID PNEUMONIA

Background: Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (LP) is a rare and uncommon dis order that results from the aspiration or inhaling of oil-based substa nces. Since most patients have no symptoms and the roentgenographic fi ndings simulate other diseases, LP is seldom diagnosed. Here we descri be a case of LP in a patient who presented with clinical and radiologi cal features of lung cancer. Case Report: A 54-year-old patient was ad mitted to our hospital because of cough, chest pain, and weight loss o f 10 kg. Radiological findings revealed a mass-like opacity in the low er right hilus, a low-density area in the upper right lobe and enlarge d lymph nodes in the upper mediastinum. Two transbronchial biopsies we re without pathological findings. Since the possibility of lung cancer was great, the patient underwent right lobectomy. The resected lobe s howed the features of LP; no malignant cells were detected. On questio ning, the patient stated an occupational exposure to oil substances 25 years ago. Conclusion: Though uncommon, LP should be taken in conside ration when the chest radiography shows a tumor-like opacity and the p atient has had contact with oil products.