J Pathol Transl Med.  2019 May;53(3):188-191. 10.4132/jptm.2019.02.21.

A Rare Case of Adenosquamous Carcinoma Arising in the Background of IgG4-Related Lung Disease

• Choi S
• Park S
• Chung MP
• Kim TS
• Cho JH
• Han J

• KMID: 2449342
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2019.02.21

Abstract

IgG4-related disease is a systemic inflammatory disease and is known as IgG4-related lung disease (IgG4-RLD) when it involves the respiratory system. Primary lung cancer arising from a background of IgG4-RLD is very rare. Herein, we report a case of adenosquamous carcinoma arising from the background of IgG4-RLD and presenting as an interstitial lung disease pattern. A 66-year-old man underwent lobectomy under the impression of primary lung cancer. Grossly, the mass was ill-defined and gray-tan colored, and the background lung was fibrotic. Microscopically, tumor cells showed both squamous and glandular differentiation. Dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis were seen in the background lung. IgG4 immunohistochemical stain showed diffuse positivity in infiltrating plasma cells. Primary lung adenosquamous carcinoma has not been reported in a background of IgG4-RLD. Due to the rarity of IgG4-RLD, physicians must follow patients with IgG4-RLD over long periods of time to accurately predict the risk of lung cancer.

Keyword

Lung; Neoplasm; IgG4-related disease; Autoimmune

MeSH Terms

Aged
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous*
Fibrosis
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Lung Diseases*
Lung Diseases, Interstitial
Lung Neoplasms
Lung*
Phlebitis
Plasma Cells
Respiratory System
Immunoglobulin G

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. (A, B) Chest computed tomography shows a consolidative nodule (arrow) in a background of subpleural reticulation and honeycomb fibrosis at both lung bases. Positron emission tomography reveals 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by the nodule. (C) The cut section of the lung showed an ill-defined and gray-tan colored mass (arrow). The background lung was emphysematous and fibrotic. (D–F) Histologic examination shows irregular interstitial fibrosis with patchy lymphoid aggregation, predominant lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and occasional obliterative phlebitis. (G) The squamous cell carcinoma component shows keratinization and multifocal dyskeratosis. (H) The adenocarcinoma component was mainly composed of a moderately differentiated acinar pattern. (I) Diffuse spread through air space (arrowheads) and multifocal lymphangitic spread (arrow) of tumor cells are frequently found at the periphery of the mass. (J) Dense fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration are found in the peritumoral area. Multifocal endolymphatic tumor emboli (arrows) are also noted. (K) Both IgG4 and IgG (inset) immunohistochemical stains show diffuse positivity in the infiltrating plasma cells. The IgG4/IgG ratio was over 40%.

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