Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma mimicking carcinoid on preoperative imaging in a 14-year-old female

Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the lung, commonly occurs in middle-aged persons with a marked female predominance. Earlier, it was known as sclerosing hemangioma. Here, we present a case of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma which was diagnosed as carcinoid of the lung, based on imaging, in a 14-year-old female. Besides radiology, the uniqueness of this case lies in the young age (14 years) of the patient. She was presented with a 3.3 × 2.5 × 2.2 cm soft tissue density mass with a tiny speck of calcification in the anterior basal segment of the lower lobe of the right lung. Based on imaging findings on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) scan and DOTANOC scan, a diagnosis of carcinoid was made. We performed a video-assisted thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy. Histopathological examination showed features of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma. Surgery is an established method of treatment for pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma. Enucleation, lobectomy, sleeve resection are possible treatment options. To define the role of adjuvant therapy, further direct evidence is required. The metastatic potential of this disease is yet to be established.