SAR Journal of Medical Case Reports
Volume-7 | Issue-06
Case Report
The Jellyfish Sign: A Novel Radiological Clue to Lung Malignancy in a Peripheral Pulmonary Nodule
Shital Patil, Pranay R, Vidya Sree R, Sparsha A, Meghana M
Published : Nov. 3, 2026
Abstract
Background: Accurate characterization of peripheral pulmonary nodules is essential for differentiating benign lesions from malignancy and identifying features associated with tumour invasion. The Jellyfish sign is a recognized computed tomography (CT) morphological feature associated with visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in selected patients with lung cancer. Multiple pleural tags extending towards different pleural surfaces represent a related imaging feature that may also predict VPI. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male farmer presented with intermittent right-sided chest pain of three months' duration. The pain was initially dull and aching but subsequently became pleuritic. He had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis involving the right lung approximately 10 years earlier, for which he had completed treatment and achieved clinical cure. He had no history of smoking, tobacco consumption, or other addictions. There was no history of fever, cough, or weight loss. Clinical examination revealed no cyanosis, clubbing, or peripheral oedema. Respiratory examination demonstrated normal vesicular breath sounds without adventitious sounds. Haematological investigations, viral markers, liver function tests, and renal function tests were within normal limits. Initial chest radiography was unremarkable. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) demonstrated a 2.8-cm peripheral pulmonary nodule in the anterior segment of the right upper lobe, with pleural tags extending towards both the costal pleura and the major fissure. CT-guided percutaneous biopsy was uneventful, and three specimens were obtained for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The diagnosis of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma was established. Molecular evaluation demonstrated an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive tumour, with negative ALK and ROS1 results. Histopathological assessment confirmed visceral pleural invasion. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated no evidence of mediastinal lymph node or distant metastases. The tumour was clinically classified as cT2aN0M0 (Stage IB), and intraoperative mediastinal lymph node sampling was performed for pathological staging. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of detailed assessment of pleural-tag patterns in peripheral pulmonary nodules. The Jellyfish sign and multiple tags directed towards different pleural surfaces may provide useful information about the relationship between a tumour and the pleura, particularly the possibility of VPI. However, imaging findings cannot independently establish histological invasion or replace comprehensive staging. Histopathological confirmation and molecular characterization remain essential for appropriate management.