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Semin Respir Crit Care Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2649-9134
Review Article

Lung Cancer with Cystic Airspace: An Overview

Authors

  • Frank C. Detterbeck

    1   Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

  • Sora Ely

    2   Division of Thoracic Surgery, Dept of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia

  • Edith M. Marom

    3   Division of Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel

  • Ami N. Rubinowitz

    4   Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

  • Leah Traube

    4   Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

  • Lynn T. Tanoue

    5   Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

  • M. Patricia Rivera

    6   Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York

Funding None.
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Abstract

There is increased recognition that some lung cancers arise from or are associated with air-filled cystic spaces. Recognition of precursors is important because these are often overlooked and because some of these cancers progress rapidly once a solid component develops. A systematic review suggests that such precursors typically appear as irregular air cysts; these should be distinguished from bullae and smooth round cysts with paper-thin walls that are often seen incidentally with increasing age. Such irregular cysts usually enlarge slowly before developing a ground glass or small solid component or becoming multiloculated. Such change warrants careful surveillance; continued progression of a solid component justifies intervention. Early intervention is associated with good outcomes; survival markedly diminishes if resection occurs when a more substantial solid component has developed.

Keywords

lung cancer - cystic - air cyst - nodule

Ethical Statement

The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.




Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
09 July 2025

Article published online:
30 September 2025

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