Comparison Of Lung Cancer In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive And Negative Patients

Abstract

Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer deaths. The risk of malignancy is increased in HIV infected patients. The goal of the study was to compare lung cancer in HIV positive and negative patients. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with lung cancer. Results: One-hundred and eight patients, 16 HIV positive and 92 HIV negative, were identified. HIV infected patients presented at a younger age, had more advance disease at the time of diagnosis and had a predominance of small cell subtype than HIV negative patients. Upper lobe disease was a feature in the HIV negative group but not in HIV positive. Conclusions: Malignancy should be a strong consideration in the immune-competent smoker with upper lung disease. Lung cancer in HIV positive patient should be recognized as a diagnostic possibility even in patients who are younger than those with typical lung cancer. Radiological presentation can be atypical and easily confused with an infectious process.