Sclerosing hemangioma of the lung: a benign tumour with potential for malignancy?

Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma represents a rare neoplasm with variable potential for progression. This case report of a 35-year-old female with left-sided thoracic pain. Computed tomography revealed a centrally located, well-circumscribed and partially calcified lesion. Intraoperative findings were suggestive of a carcinoid tumour. The tumour was completely removed by lobectomy followed by systematic lymphadenectomy. The histopathological analysis revealed a sclerosing hemangioma, a rare benign neoplasm. Sclerosing hemangiomas (SHs) are true neoplasms derived from alveolar pneumocytes. However, little data is available on the potential malignant behaviour, such as lymphnode metastases, local recurrence, and the appearance of SH's. Generally, wedge resection is justified in the majority of cases, but in cases of uncertain intraoperative diagnosis, anatomic resection with systematic lymphadenectomy is recommended.