Abstract
We have reported a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung. This is the 24th case report in Japan.
The patient, a 65-years-old man, was brought to the Kyoto National Hospital by ambulance because of difficulty in breathing and chest pain. Roentgenologic examination of the chest showed complete opacification of the right hemithorax. Bloody pleural fruid was obtained by thoracentesis, it contained no tumor cells. Difficulty in breathing became more severe and the patient died on the fourth hospital day.
At autopsy, there was a large tumor mass in the right upper lobe, and this was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma histologically. There was no metastasis except for regional lymphnodes.
Electronmicroscopy showed large and bizarre nuclei, a remarkable conglomeration of mitochondria mainly at the nuclear poles, pinocytic vesicles and myofilaments.
In the diagnosis of the histological types of pulmonary sarcoma, electronmicroscopic study is very useful.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung has a relatively good prognosis after operation as compared to other pulmonary sarcomas. Early diagnosis, therefore, is especially important
