Lung Cancer: Atelectasis and Consolidation

The chapter titled atelectasis and consolidation discusses these specific manifestations of lung cancer. Patients with lung cancer can present with postobstructive atelectasis and/or pneumonia secondary to centrally obstructive neoplasms. Typical central primary lung cancers are squamous cell and small cell carcinomas. Atelectasis may be sublobar, lobar or may involve the entire lung. Lobar atelectasis may exhibit the S-sign of Golden or the luftsichel sign, which suggest underlying malignancy and require further evaluation with chest CT or bronchoscopy. Central lung cancers may also manifest with postobstructive lipoid pneumonia, typically without active infection. In addition, some adenocarcinomas may manifest with imaging features of consolidation due to replacement of alveolar airspaces by tumor. Therefore, consolidations in adults should be followed to complete radiographic resolution to exclude underlying malignancy.