36	4 Abnormal Lung Patterns

Fig. 4.4 Primary lung carcinoma

“Organized patterns of calcification, such as ‘popcorn’ (seen in hamartomas), lamellar concentric rings of calcium, central calcification, or homogeneous dense calcification, all carry an extremely low likelihood of malignancy [4].”

“Not all nodules that contain calcification are benign. Certain patterns of calcification are considered radiologically ‘indeterminate,’ meaning that they do not increase or decrease the likelihood of malignancy compared to a non-calcified nodule. These indeterminate patterns include stippled fine calcification and eccentric calcification.”

Malignancy

There are two general categories of lung cancer: Large cell carcinomas (which are usually classified as non-small cell types) and small cell carcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 75% of all lung cancers. Of note, bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma (BAC) and lymphoma can display as a consolidative pseudo-mass.

Case 4.1

Figures 4.4 and 4.5 show an example of a primary lung carcinoma.