A 62-year-old smoker has a CT chest showing a spiculated peripheral lung mass with pleural tags and notching of the pleural surface. The most likely histological type is:
- A Adenocarcinoma ✓
- B Squamous cell carcinoma
- C Small cell carcinoma
- D Large cell carcinoma
Correct answer: A. Adenocarcinoma
Explanation
Peripheral spiculated lesions with pleural tags are the classic CT presentation of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is typically central, arising from the main/lobar bronchi and often presenting as hilar mass or obstructive collapse. Small cell carcinoma presents as a central bulky hilar/mediastinal mass. Large cell carcinoma is a diagnosis of exclusion but tends to be large peripheral masses without the fine spiculation pattern.
Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.