Pleomorphic carcinoma: report of a case with massive pleural effusion and asbestos particles

Abstract

Pleomorphic (spindle/giant cell) carcinoma (PC) is one subset of large cell carcinoma. It is well known that PC patients have a poor survival rate. This report describes a 68-year-old man with PC. The patient's tumor had a massive pleural effusion. A left lower lobectomy and partial resection of the left diaphragm, peritoneum, and parietal pleura were performed to remove the tumor. Numerous asbestos particles were found in the left lower lobe. This is the first reported case of PC which may have been caused by asbestos particles. Further investigation is needed into whether asbestos exposure causes PC.