Lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces: Current concept, pathogenesis, imaging features, pathological basis, and management

This narrative review summarizes the current concept, CT imaging features, pathologic basis, and the correlation between imaging and pathology in lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces (LCCAs). Lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces is a distinct subtype of lung cancer with unique imaging and pathological features. Lung cancer screening can identify patients with cystic lesions on imaging, but distinguishing benign from malignant lesions remains challenging. The pathologic types of LCCAs vary, and early diagnosis and accurate identification are of great clinical value for patient management and improved prognosis. Clinicians should pay more attention to LCCAs to promote early diagnosis, improve the timing of interventions, and achieve better survival benefits for patients.