Abstract
An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that occurs
predominantly in children and young adults. Etiology remains unclear. But based on
the frequent detection of chromosomic alterations, especially near the anaplastic
lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, IMT is now considered to be a true neoplasm. In addition,
the possible aggressive behavior, and the ability to metastasize suggest at least
an intermediate malignant potential. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, but
the use of chemotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunotherapy, and
targeted therapy are reported. We describe a case of a pulmonary IMT in a 6-year-old
boy with an incidental finding of a lesion in the right upper lobe. A video-assisted
thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with lymph node resection was performed. Microscopic
examination confirmed the diagnosis of IMT with the nodule showing spindle cells in
a background of plasma cells. ALK immunohistochemical expression was negative.
Keywords
inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor - histopathology - anaplastic lymphoma kinase -
pediatric surgery
