Lung adenocarcinoma initially mimicking localized emphysema

Here we report an exceedingly rare case of gradual continuous radiographic changes in lung cancer over five years. Over this period, the lesion was initially diagnosed as localized emphysema, yet in the final year, revealed itself to be a solid malignant nodule. Then the patient underwent thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy, followed by systematic lymphadenectomy when the nodule was confirmed as adenocarcinoma. This study demonstrates that slowly localized emphysema should be continuously monitored closely given its potential for malignant transformation in high-risk patients.