Consequences of a wait-and-see strategy for benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis of the lung

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Feb;87(2):613-4. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.06.052.

Abstract

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis (BML) is a rare smooth-muscle cell disorder of the lung. Most BML lesions stay constant in size for a long time. The prevailing treatment option is primary excision of the nodules or if unresectable, long-time hormone therapy. Herein, we present a case of BML in which a wait-and-see strategy after diagnosis was decided. Fourteen years later a routine chest roentgenogram revealed multiple bi-lobar BML lesions with a giant cyst filling the whole left lung cavity. We conclude that a wait-and-see procedure for BML is feasible, but primary resection of the BML tumor masses is preferable to avoid complications as described in our case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Leiomyomatosis / pathology*
  • Leiomyomatosis / surgery
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Observation / methods*
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / methods
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / surgery