Shadows of Doubt: When Lung Adenocarcinoma Mimics Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract

Lung adenocarcinoma commonly presents as a peripheral pulmonary mass; however, atypical presentations mimicking interstitial lung disease (ILD) are rare and diagnostically challenging. We report a case of a 67-year-old female presenting with subacute respiratory symptoms and diffuse interstitial changes on imaging, initially suggestive of ILD. Bronchoscopic evaluation was inconclusive, but transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the importance of considering malignancy in atypical ILD presentations and underscores the role of early tissue diagnosis in selected cases.