Work

Lung colloid adenocarcinoma: A multidisciplinary diagnostic challenge

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Colloid adenocarcinoma of the lung is a rare subtype, often difficult to diagnose due to its indolent behavior and atypical imaging. We report a 76-year-old man and former smoker with an incidentally detected right lower lobe mass. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-defined, lobulated lesion with poor contrast enhancement and internal calcifications and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) demonstrated low uptake. Multiple percutaneous and surgical biopsies were nondiagnostic. Progressive growth and new onset of mediastinal lymphadenopathy ultimately led to right lower lobectomy, confirming stage IIIA colloid adenocarcinoma. This case highlights imaging limitations, the value of sequential biopsies, and the role of surgical biopsy when less invasive methods repeatedly fail, especially with high clinical suspicion.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.06.020

Authors: Maria Antónia Góis Serrano, Marta Maia, Cristina Ferreira, Idílio Gomes

Institution: Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil

Language: English

Topic: Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600