A solitary pulmonary nodule in a former glass blower mimicking a primary lung adenocarcinoma

Inhalation of silicon dioxide causes silicosis, a condition that may occur in various industries and work settings. Radiologic findings typically show numerous nodular opacities, while solitary pulmonary nodules are atypical for silicosis. A 68-year-old woman, a former glassblower, presented with a left solitary pulmonary nodule (13 mm) on chest computed tomography. The nodule enlarged to 23 mm over 6 months, exhibiting an irregular shape, spiculated margin, and rapid growth with a doubling time of 186.4 days. She underwent a left upper lobectomy with a suspicion of lung cancer. The histopathological findings revealed peribronchial lymphocytic infiltration and granulomatous-like structures containing multinucleated giant cells and phagocytic crystalline foreign bodies. These findings were consistent with a foreign body reaction to the glass fragments. Inhaled glass fragments may present as a solitary pulmonary nodule after the retirement of a glass blower. Its behavior and radiological features mimicked a primary lung adenocarcinoma. Solitary pulmonary nodules due to inhaled glass fragments may mimic a primary lung adenocarcinoma. A definitive diagnosis requires a histological examination in this rare condition. •Inhalation of silicon dioxide causes silicosis, the clinical symptoms and radiological findings of which vary widely.•A solitary pulmonary nodule is an atypical radiological finding for silicosis.•Inhaled glass fragments may present as a solitary pulmonary nodule and mimic a primary lung adenocarcinoma.