Acinic cell carcinoma (lung)

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 4 Jun 2020

Acinic cell carcinoma of the lung (also known as a Fechner tumor) is a type of lung carcinoma of the salivary gland type. It is extremely rare, especially when it presents in the form of primary acinic cell carcinoma.

Histologically, they are comprised of clear cells with abundant granular cytoplasm growing as solid sheets with focal acinar, microcystic, and papillocystic regions. Immunohistochemical stains tend to show strong positivity for:

  • low-molecular-weight cytokeratins
  • epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)

Can be variable, encompassing 1:

  • subpleural nodules in proximity to secondary bronchi
  • endobronchial tumors leading obstructive symptoms
  • well-circumscribed deep parenchymal nodules

Acinic cell carcinoma of the lung tends to have a more indolent behavior and favorable prognosis than other types of lung cancer.

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