What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

• Mucinous Cystadenoma of Lung

What is Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is a rare benign tumor of the lung, which mostly occurs in the lung tissue
• These lung tumors are generally solitary and are observed in older adults. The exact cause of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• Most Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenomas are asymptomatic, meaning that generally no signs and symptoms may be noted. Due to this reason, a majority of them are often diagnosed incidentally, while a diagnostic work-up is being performed for other medical conditions
• The healthcare provider may undertake treatment (surgical removal of the tumor) to rule out lung cancer. A complete removal of the tumor commonly results in a cure
• The prognosis of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is typically excellent, since these are benign tumors and no malignant transformation is noted

Who gets Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is usually observed in adults, in the 60-80 year age category
• The condition affects both males and females
• This condition is observed worldwide and there is no racial or ethnic group predilection noted

What are the Risk Factors for Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma
• Some studies have shown that smoking may cause the tumor, but it is not proven conclusively yet

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is generally unknown.

• It may be caused by certain genetic defects which are not yet well-characterised
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma?

Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenomas can arise in the following lung parts:

• In the peripheral lung tissue or lung parenchyma (in the majority of cases), in which case the tumor is known as Peripheral Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma
• Within the central lung tissue (in a minority of cases), when the tumor is known as Central Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma

A majority of Mucinous Cystadenomas of Lung present no clinical indications and remain asymptomatic. The following features may be observed:

• It is a slow-growing tumor that is usually single
• The tumor size may range from 1 cm to 5 cm
• The majority of the tumors occurs within the lung tissue (Parenchymal Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma) and no signs and symptoms are present

How is Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma. These may include:

• Physical examination and complete medical history screening: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may listen to the chest using a stethoscope, to look for the presence of any abnormal lung sounds
• Imaging studies that may include a chest X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan of the lungs
• Arterial blood gases
• Lung function test (pulmonary function test)
• Sputum cytology: This procedure involves the collection of mucus (sputum), coughed-up by a patient, which is then examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. Even though this procedure may be performed, no tumor cells are generally noted

A tissue biopsy refers to a medical procedure that involves the removal of cells or tissues, which are then examined by a pathologist. This can help establish a definitive diagnosis. The different biopsy procedures may include:

• Thoracoscopy: During thoracoscopy, a surgical scalpel is used to make very tiny incisions into the chest wall. A medical instrument called a thoracoscope is then inserted into the chest, in order to examine and remove tissue from the chest wall, which are then examined further
• Thoracotomy: Thoracotomy is a surgical invasive procedure with special medical instruments to open-up the chest. This allows a physician to remove tissue from the chest wall or the surrounding lymph nodes of the lungs. A pathologist will then examine these samples under a microscope after processing the tissue in a laboratory
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): During fine needle aspiration biopsy, a device called a cannula is used to extract tissue or fluid from the lungs, or surrounding lymph nodes. These are then examined in an anatomic pathology laboratory, in order to determine any signs of abnormality
• Autofluorescence bronchoscopy: It is a bronchoscopic procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose and into the lungs and measure light from abnormal precancerous tissue. Samples are collected for further examination by a pathologist

Note:

• A tissue biopsy is preferred to a fine needle aspiration biopsy, because of the uncommon nature of the tumor
• Typically, due to a lack of signs and symptoms, Mucinous Cystadenoma of Lung is detected incidentally while performing diagnostic workup for some other medical issue

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma?

There are no significant complications associated with Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma. However, in some cases, the following may be observed:

• The tumor may cause a condition called pleural pseudomyxoma, if the tumor cells get misplaced in the pleural cavity during a tissue biopsy procedure. This may cause pleural effusion resulting in difficulty in breathing
• Some tumors may cause severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the lung tumor may resemble lung cancer

How is Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma Treated?

The treatment of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma may involve the following:

• The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision, which can result in a cure
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma.

• However, smoking cessation is helpful in decreasing one’s chance of developing lung tumors
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, for those who have already endured the tumor are helpful

What is the Prognosis of Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor
• Studies have not indicated that this lung tumor type transforms into a malignancy. Moreover, there is no risk of tumor recurrence on its complete removal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenoma:

The following article link will help you understand other lung conditions:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/healthy-lungs/