2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP07.01-020. Pulmonary MALT Lymphoma: Detailed CT Findings

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Pulmonary MALT lymphoma is a rare type of tumor that arises from mucosal sites. It is the most common type of primary pulmonary lymphoma, accounting for 10-15% of all MALT lymphomas. CT scans have been used to study the characteristics of pulmonary MALT lymphoma, but the findings can be nonspecific and overlap with other lung diseases. This study focused on a specific CT finding known as the "galaxy sign," which is a confluent nodule surrounded by multiple smaller peripheral nodules.<br /><br />The study included 43 patients with pathology-confirmed pulmonary MALT lymphoma who had undergone chest CT scans. The presence of the galaxy sign was observed in 44.2% of patients. Other CT findings included multiple lung lesions, nodules or masses, consolidation, bronchocentric distribution of lesions, air-bronchogram, and perilesional spicules. The study found that patients with a correct CT diagnosis had a higher prevalence of multiple lesions, the galaxy sign, and bronchocentric distribution of lesions.<br /><br />The multifocal bronchocentric nodule or mass with the galaxy sign can be a helpful finding in diagnosing pulmonary MALT lymphoma on CT scans. Additional ancillary CT findings may include air-bronchogram and perilesional spicules. It is important to note that the galaxy sign can also appear in other lung diseases, but knowing its presence in pulmonary MALT lymphoma can aid in distinguishing it from other conditions like pulmonary TB or sarcoidosis.<br /><br />One specific case mentioned in the paper described a 66-year-old female with an irregular bronchocentric nodule with the galaxy sign on chest CT. The nodule was surgically removed, and histopathologic examination confirmed the presence of reactive lymphoid follicles surrounded by small lymphocytes, monocytoid cells, and plasmacytoid lymphocytes.<br /><br />Overall, understanding and recognizing the galaxy sign in chest CT scans can be beneficial in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary MALT lymphoma, as it has distinct features that differ from other lung diseases.

Asset Subtitle

Kyongmin Sarah Beck

Meta Tag

Speaker Kyongmin Sarah Beck

Topic Mesothelioma, Thymoma, and Other Thoracic Malignancies - Clinical

Keywords

Pulmonary MALT lymphoma

rare tumor

mucosal sites

primary pulmonary lymphoma

galaxy sign

CT scans

nonspecific findings

lung diseases

multiple lesions

bronchocentric distribution