CTICasesSmall Cell Lung Carcinoma (with Atypical Popcorn Calcification)
Imaging findings
Initial chest CT reveals a lobulated, non-calcified left lower lobe nodule. A subsequent CT shows interval development of central, amorphous, and popcorn-like calcifications within the growing lobulated mass, mimicking a benign process. Biopsy confirmed small cell lung carcinoma, and post-radiation imaging shows persistent dense calcification surrounded by radiation-induced lung injury and fibrosis.
Key takeaways
Popcorn-like or amorphous calcification in a lung nodule is most classically associated with benign lesions such as pulmonary hamartomas or granulomas. However, malignancies (particularly small cell lung carcinoma or adenocarcinoma) can occasionally present with atypical, rapid calcification due to dystrophic calcification or a 'collision' tumor where a neoplasm grows around and engulfs a pre-existing calcified granuloma.
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