Long-term development of a primary lung sarcoma, probably lymphangiosarcoma--a case report.

A small primary lung lesion had remained unchanged in size over a period of 8 years. Within the ensuing 2 years rapid tumor growth occurred. On operation the surgical specimen revealed a tumor mass of 87.2 cm3. Within 6 months after resection, the tumor occurred on the same side. Extensive tumor infiltration of the chest wall prevented any further surgery. The histo-morphologic picture of both lesions was consistent with a lymphangiosarcoma without evidence of high grade malignancy. The patient died of cardio-respiratory insufficiency due to extension of the tumor mass. Unfortunately no autopsy was performed. Tumor growth rates, macroscopic reconstruction and electron microscopic evaluations are presented. This case report again points out that size and long-time stability of solitary lung nodules are not necessarily reliable criteria for assessing prognosis.