A huge primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung: case report and review of the literature

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung is an uncommon thoracic neoplasm. It is considered a slow-growing tumor with a low-grade malignancy, which can be confusing as to its underlying malignancy, and the main treatment for this tumor is surgery. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: Here, we report a case of cystic adenoid carcinoma of the lung in a 50-year-old man presenting with an unusual radiological presentation. The tumor was classified as T4N3M1a according to the TNM classification, eighth edition, and the decision was to treat the patient with palliative chemotherapy. The pathologist and surgeons must fully understand the adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung to prevent misdiagnosis. CONCLUSION: Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. The diagnosis can be challenging both clinically and histologically. Here, we present a case with an atypical radiological presentation, making the diagnosis even more difficult.