Lungs

Author: Mikael Häggström

Tissue sampling

• Lung autopsy

Fixation

Generally 10% neutral buffered formalin.

Presentations

• Lung autopsy
• Lung wedge resection and lobectomy
• Lung biopsy

Basic microscopic screening

For screening of lung autopsies, see Lung autopsy

Mainly look for carcinoma. Further information: Lung tumor

If granulomas are seen, generally stain for acid-fast bacteria and fungi.

Common findings

Active searching for them is not mandatory.

• Emphysema (enlarged alveoli). Reporting is optional in mild cases in the elderly.
  Emphysema (enlarged alveoli). Reporting is optional in mild cases in the elderly.
• Anthracosis (interstitial black material).
  Anthracosis (interstitial black material).
• Respiratory epithelial shedding in a small bronchus. If present, look for vascular leakage, mucus hypersecretion and/or widespread airway narrowing, together indicating asthma.[1]
  Respiratory epithelial shedding in a small bronchus. If present, look for vascular leakage, mucus hypersecretion and/or widespread airway narrowing, together indicating asthma.

Other pertinent findings

• hyaline membranes, suggesting diffuse alveolar damage.
  hyaline membranes, suggesting diffuse alveolar damage.
• Pulmonary aspergillosis, seen as acutely branching septated hyphae
  Pulmonary aspergillosis, seen as acutely branching septated hyphae

Main page

• Main page of Patholines