Inflammatory pseudotumor of the lungs

Abstract

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the lung is rare benign tumor which is in fact, nonneoplastic unregulated growth of inflammatory cells. Although plasma cells with reticuloendothelial elements are often seen, this kind of tumors is often described as a “plasma cell granuloma”. The lungs and airways are involved in the majority of cases, however, the mediastinum, thoracic lymph nodes and other structures are rarely affected (1). This benign entity of unknown origin is often locally invasive requiring extensive pulmonary resection (2). Because inflammatory pseudotumors mimic malignant tumors both clinically and radiologically, the radiologist should be familiar with this entity and help avoid unnecessary radical surgery when possible by including pseudotumor in the differential diagnosis (3). Radiographic findings as well as computed tomography are esential diagnostic procedures for malignancy distinction. Very slow growth, transformation to a sarcoma and regression (spontaneously or after corticosteroid therapy) have been described in the in clinical course of IPT (4).