An autopsy case of pulmonary giant cell carcinoma

Abstract

A 71-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis and an abnormal shadow in her chest X-ray film. Bronchoscopic examination revealed a tumorous growth at the B6 bronchus of the left lung. Thoracotomy was performed, and a specimen was collected from the tumorous lesion of the left lung. Tumorous lesions of the left lung and pleura were irradiated with a single dose of 3, 000 rads. Histological examination of the specimen revealed anaplastic-carcinoma consisted of spindle-shaped cells growing in sarcomatoid pattern. She died approximately 8 months after the clinical onset. Autopsy revealed a hemorrhagic tumor in the lower lobe of the left lung, measuring 5 cm in diameter, markedly necrotized probably due to irradiation. Widespread metastases were found in other organs. On histological examination, pleomorphic multinucleated giant cells with occasional “cytophagocytosis” were frequently observed in tumorous lesions of both the lung and other organs. In some areas tumor cells assumed spindle shape and grew in sarcomatoid pattern. Electron microscopic examination of tumor cells showed well-developed r-ER and mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus. In some tumor cells numerous lysosomes were observed. Interdigitation of the plasma membrane was remarkable. Although formation of tight junction was occasionally encountered, desmosome was not detected.