# Exogenous lipoid pneumonia masquerading as a pulmonary nodule: a case report

## TL;DR

A rare case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia was mistaken for a lung tumor, highlighting the need for better recognition of this condition to avoid unnecessary surgery.

## Contribution

This case report provides a pathologically confirmed example of ELP mimicking a pulmonary nodule to aid in clinical recognition.

## Key findings

- ELP can present as a solitary pulmonary nodule with features resembling lung cancer.
- Misdiagnosis of ELP can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions.
- Pathological confirmation is crucial for accurate diagnosis of ELP.

## Abstract

This case report describes a patient with exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule. ELP is a rare chronic pulmonary disorder characterized by nonspecific clinical symptoms and imaging findings. When manifesting as a mass or nodule, features such as lobulation and spiculation on imaging can closely resemble lung cancer, frequently leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention. We present a retrospective analysis of a pathologically confirmed case of ELP to improve recognition of this condition among both clinicians and pathologists.