Description of Specimen
The pleural surface of the lung shows an extensive exudate with a number of slightly raised pale
areas. The cut surface shows a central, rather poorly-defined tumour mass with small nodules of
tumour scattered throughout the lung. The histology of the lesion was that of "malignant
histiocytosis"; the exact position of this disorder in the spectrum of lympho-reticular disease is not
clear.
History
At the age of 10, this child presented with a short history of fever, abdominal and chest
pain, lethargy, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Examination showed
numerous enlarged lymph nodes and an enlarged liver and spleen. Radiologically there was
evidence of infiltration in the lungs. The child died fifteen days after admission.