Histopathological evaluation of lung and pleural biopsies: a spectrum of diseases
Rabia Parveen Siddiqui, Anubhav Chandrakar, Prachi SahuAbstract
Background:
The lungs are particularly vulnerable to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions owing to their unique anatomical and histological features. Exposure to risk factors such as air pollution, tobacco smoking, human immunodeficiency virus infection, tuberculosis, and malnutrition significantly contributes to the development of various pulmonary lesions. The pleural cavity, located between the visceral and parietal pleural layers surrounding the lungs, may also be affected by a wide range of pathological processes. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of lesions in lung and pleural biopsy specimens.
Materials and Methods:
This descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of Pathology at Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College and Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 100 biopsy specimens, including 48 lung biopsies and 52 pleural biopsies, underwent detailed histopathological examination.
Results:
Of the 48 lung biopsy specimens, 37 (77.1%) were neoplastic and 11 (22.9%) were non-neoplastic. Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignant lesion in lung biopsies. Of the 52 pleural biopsy specimens, 15 (28.8%) were neoplastic and 37 (71.2%) were non-neoplastic. Adenocarcinoma was the most common neoplastic lesion, whereas granulomatous inflammation was the predominant non-neoplastic lesion in pleural biopsies.
Conclusion:
Histopathological examination remains the cornerstone for diagnosing and characterizing pulmonary and pleural lesions. The adjunctive use of immunohistochemistry enhances diagnostic precision, particularly for classifying and confirming neoplastic lesions, thereby facilitating appropriate clinical management.