Bronchogenic carcinoma with lung abscess

A large abscess has formed in the lung distal to a partially-obstructed bronchus. The cause of obstruction, a large pink-tan mass, is seen in the upper portion of the photo.

Abscesses are relatively common in the corresponding segment when obstruction of a bronchus occurs. In addition to aspiration and obstruction, lung abscesses can be secondary to sepsis, previous bacterial infections, penetrating trauma, or direct spread from a neighboring organ. If tissue breakdown extends to the visceral pleura, a bronchopleural fistula with pneumothorax results.

From the slide collection of the late Dr. Charles Kuhn