Apical lung mass—A rare presentation of multiple myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells with clinical features resulting from infiltration of plasma cells into bones and other organs. Multiple myeloma manifesting as an apical lung mass is less common and very few cases have been reported. We report the case of a 50-year-old female who presented with an apical lung mass which happened to be multiple myeloma arising from the upper ribs into the lung. At the time of diagnosis, patient had axillary lymph node metastasis with extensive bony involvement. This case report and literature review provides insight to a rare but significant presentation of multiple myeloma and highlights the need to consider multiple myeloma as a possible differential for Pancoast tumor in the appropriate clinical setting as this could potentially affect management options and patient outcome.