Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with lepidic growth pattern: A case report

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) characterized by various growth patterns. The lepidic growth pattern, where neoplastic cells grow along the alveolar surfaces without invading the underlying stroma, is a distinct histological feature associated with a better prognosis. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. This case highlights the importance of the lepidic growth pattern in pulmonary adenocarcinoma, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation of imaging and histopathological characteristics. Recognizing such patterns can lead to prompt and appropriate management, thereby improving patient outcomes. We report the case of an 85-year-old male patient, a former farmer with a history of recently cured pulmonary tuberculosis and ongoing follow-up for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. He presented with a dry cough and stage III dyspnea according to the Sadou scale, with no associated thoracic signs. Clinical examination was stable, and radiological investigations revealed a lesion in the left lung with calcified micronodules. A transthoracic needle biopsy showed adenocarcinoma with a lepidic growth pattern. Management included wedge resection with lymph node dissection, with pathological examination confirming infiltrating acinar adenocarcinoma. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of pulmonary cancers, even in patients with complex medical histories.