A Case of Three Different Synchronous and Metachronous Primary Lung Cancers

Abstract

Multiple primary lung cancers are characterized as either synchronous (detected or resected simultaneously) or metachronous (defined by a time interval between the detection of a subsequent primary lesion). The diagnosis of multiple primary lung cancers requires the temporal, histologic, and anatomic classification of tumors or simultaneous detection of two tumors. The incidence of multiple primary lung cancers has been increasing recently due to the widespread use of imaging modalities and life extension. Here, we report a 65-year-old male patient with multiple primary lung cancers comprising three different cell types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma). (Korean J Med 2013;85:639-643)