Solid-variant primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma with pleural metastasis and malignant pleural effusion: a rare case report - Summary - MDSpire

Solid-variant primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma with pleural metastasis and malignant pleural effusion: a rare case report

  • By

  • Suyi Guo

  • Yang Zhai

  • Hongbian Gao

  • Caixia Ding

  • May 18, 2026

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Objective:

To highlight diagnostic challenges and provide clinical evidence for treatment in a rare case of solid-variant primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC) with pleural metastasis, emphasizing its significance in the context of existing literature.

Key Findings:
  • Initial diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma; revised to solid-variant PACC after immunohistochemical analysis.
  • Patient presented with pleural metastasis and malignant pleural effusion.
  • Treatment resulted in partial response and symptomatic improvement without severe adverse events.
Interpretation:

The case underscores the importance of myoepithelial markers in differentiating solid-variant PACC from squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in small biopsy specimens, and suggests potential changes in diagnostic protocols.

Limitations:
  • Limited evidence-based therapeutic strategies for advanced PACC, such as the lack of randomized controlled trials.
  • No established standard systemic treatment for advanced cases, highlighting the need for further research.
Conclusion:

This case illustrates a rare presentation of solid-variant PACC and suggests the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapy in advanced disease.

Original Source(s)

Solid-variant primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma with pleural metastasis and malignant pleural effusion: a rare case report

  • by Suyi Guo, Yang Zhai, Hongbian Gao, Caixia Ding

  • May 18, 2026

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