Imaging of Pulmonary Malignant Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Malignant pulmonary lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by the clonal proliferation of lymphocytes within the lung. They are classified as primary, arising in the lung without extrathoracic involvement (mostly mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma), or secondary, resulting from the spread of systemic lymphoma, often diffuse large B-cell or Hodgkin lymphoma. Imaging findings correlate with histopathologic features, showing single or multiple nodules/masses, lobar or segmental consolidations, reticular patterns, or disseminated small nodules. Although a definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological and immunophenotypic analysis, imaging plays a crucial role in early suspicion, lesion localization, disease staging, and monitoring treatment response or recurrence.