Lipoid granuloma of the lung of exogenous origin.

1. Lipoid granuloma of the lung of exogenous origin is still encountered with some frequency and is almost as often misdiagnosed, largely because it is not considered in the differential diagnosis of obscure pulmonary lesions. 2. Diagnosis can be made with reasonable assurance in many cases where bilateral lesions are present if the physician is aware of the condition, takes a careful history with reference to possible aspiration of oily materials and examines sputum specimens for oil content. 3. Circumscribed unilateral lesions may closely mimic bronchogenic carcinoma and will frequently require exploratory thoracotomy for confirmation. 4. Frozen section should always be obtained in order to avoid needless sacrifice of pulmonary tissue. 5. Resection is curative when the disease is localized and unilateral.