Pulmonary Sarcomatous Tumors By Litzky, Leslie A *
Context.-Sarcomatous pulmonary neoplasms are a rare and
diagnostically challenging group of tumors. Primary pulmonary
sarcomas must be distinguished from the more frequent occurrence
of sarcoma metastatic to the lung, primary pulmonary sarcomatoid
carcinoma, and diffuse malignant mesothelioma involving the
lung. In current practice, the general availability of ancillary
diagnostic techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and
molecular analysis, can reliably classify many sarcomatoid
lesions. Objective.-To review the literature and report on
additional primary material about the application of
immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in the differential
diagnosis pulmonary sarcomatous neoplasms. Data
Sources.-Literature review of relevant articles indexed in
PubMed (National Library of Medicine) between 1961 and 2007 and
primary material from the author’s institution.
Conclusions.-This review discusses specific criteria for the
diagnosis of primary lung sar