Localized Amyloid Tumour of the Lung

Abstract

A case of localized amyloid tumour of the lung in a 78-year-old man is reported. The condition was misinterpreted as a malignant tumour. Removal of the left upper lobe was carried out. The histological appearance was characteristic, showing large masses of amyloid found in tissue spaces or within giant cells, and with scattered areas of lymphocytes and plasma cells. A pre-operative cytological examination of needle biopsy aspirate from the lesion may give the diagnosis. However, the diagnosis ought to be determined at frozen section at operation. The relationship between localized amyloid lung tumours and other types of amyloid deposits is briefly discussed.