Description
The cut surface of the inflated right lung shows a prominent trabecular pattern in the upper and
middle lobes, with consolidation in the lower lobe, where there is also at least one, rather
poorly-defined, nodule approximately 1 cm. in diameter. The pleural surface shows a diffuse
thickening towards the apex, with multiple minute nodules of thickened pleura in the other parts of
the lung. The appearances suggest secondary tumour with marked lymphatic involvement.
History
This man had a past history of gastric carcinoma with gastrectomy 4 years before his
death, and rectal carcinoma with anterior resection 3 years before his death. A chest X-ray
following a short history of increasing shortness of breath showed a fine nodularity throughout the
lungfields, and linear opacities consistent with fibrosis or lymphangitis. An open lung biopsy was
attemped, but he collapsed and this was not carried out. The scalene lymph nodes showed
metastatic adenocarcinoma, consistent with an origin from stomach. Microscopically, tumour was
demonstrated in the lung and pleura, but not apparently elsewhere.