A RARE CASE OF PULMONARY ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA PRESENTING AS HYDROPNEUMOTHORAX

Background: Pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC) is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 0.2% of primary lung tumors. Due to its non-specic clinical presentation, it is often misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The slow-growing nature of PACC and its tendency for airway obstruction further complicate early detection. Imaging and histopathology play crucial roles in conrming the diagnosis and differentiating it from other pulmonary malignancies. We report a case of a 42-year-ol Case Presentation: d male who presented with left-sided chest pain, dyspnea, and productive cough for one month. Initial imaging revealed leftsided hydropneumothorax, and further evaluation with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) demonstrated a soft tissue density mass with endobronchial extension into the left principal bronchus. Bronchoscopy identied a friable lesion obstructing the left bronchus, and histopathological examination conrmed adenoid cystic carcinoma via immunohistochemistry. The patient was managed with intercostal drainage, intravenous antibiotics, and planned for further oncological evaluation. This case highlights the importance of considering rare malignancies in pers Conclusion: istent pulmonary symptoms, the role of imaging and histopathology in establishing the diagnosis, and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving prognosis in patients with PACC.