Uncommon Tumors of the Lung

As its name implies, these are tumors belonging to different lineages and their occurrence in the lung is extremely rare. These tumors are more common in other anatomical areas outside of the thoracic cavity; however, in some cases, their occurrence in the lung may be due to ectopic tissues or vestiges of tissues during embryological development. This group of tumors includes both benign and malignant neoplasms. Because the occurrence of some of these tumors is more common in extra-thoracic areas, metastatic disease is important to consider and properly rule out. In other cases, small biopsies of the lung may not be sufficient to make an unequivocal interpretation, thus leaving the final interpretation to be made after complete surgical resection. Clinical and radiological information plays an important role not only in providing important past medical history but also in providing information about the location and singularity or multiplicity of the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis of these tumors is essential in arriving a more specific diagnosis.