Article Text
Abstract
A 61-year-old woman who was originally diagnosed with locally advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) 10 years ago, developed massive haemoptysis while away from the UK. Initial investigations revealed a left upper lobe lesion requiring embolisation. Bronchoscopic evaluation was unsuccessful in identifying an underlying cause, and cytology was suggestive of an inflammatory cause. A rigid bronchoscopy was planned but prior to this the patient coughed up a lump of tissue which was sent for histopathological examination. Morphology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with metastatic ACC. ACC is a rare and aggressive tumour of the adrenal cortex. The histological appearances of ACC are similar to that of a carcinoid tumour, creating diagnostic difficulty given the presumed endobronchial origin of the expectorated material in this case. Accurate clinical information and judicious use of immunohistochemistry were key to making the diagnosis. To the authors knowledge, this is the first described case of expectorated metastatic ACC.
- endocrine cancer
- pathology
- cancer intervention
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Footnotes
Contributors AD wrote the manuscript, reported the histology along with RA and captured the microscopic images. RA reported the histology and proofread the manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.