Rare Pulmonary Neoplasms

Abstract

Rare primary neoplasms of the lung account for less than 1% of all primary lung cancers. These pulmonary tumors are usually metastatic. Accurate histopathologic studies and detailed clinical history are essential to confirm the diagnosis of unusual primary neoplasms of the lung. Rare pulmonary neoplasms are subdivided into six major histopathologic groups and include lymphoid tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, salivary gland tumors, mixed epithelial/mesenchymal tumors, ectopic tissue tumors, and undetermined histogenetic tumors. Surgical resection, when possible, is the treatment of choice for rare pulmonary neoplasms. The effects of adjuvant therapy on long-term survival and disease-free interval is not known because of the rarity of these neoplasms. Overall survival is better when compared with primary bronchogenic carcinoma. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment of rare primary neoplasms of the lung is warranted.

Key Words:

Pulmonary neoplasms - surgery - adjuvant therapy - rare neoplasms