Lung Cancer Associated With Cystic Airspaces

The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of lung cancers associated with a discrete cystic airspace and to characterize the morphologic and pathologic features of the cancer and the cystic airspace. We reviewed all diagnosed cases of lung cancer resulting from baseline screening (n=595) and annual screening (n=111) in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program to identify those abutting or in the wall of a cystic airspace. We also reviewed the pathologic specimens. A total of 26 lung cancers were identified abutting or in the wall of a cystic airspace. Of these, 13 were identified at baseline (13/595, 2%) and 13 at annual screening (13/111, 12%), which was significant (p