Metachronous, Ipsilateral Primary Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Joseph L Blidgen,Patrice A Pinkney

doi:10.4236/jct.2021.121007

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor in men worldwide. It has been documented that patients can develop multiple primary lung cancer, with a 5% annual risk of a second primary (metachronous) cancer occurring after prior curative treatment. Moreover, there has been an increase in the incidence of metachronous primary lung cancer reflecting a longer survival after curative resection of the primary cancer and improvements in patient surveillance methods. Herein, we present a case of a patient diagnosed with a metachronous primary lung cancer presenting 1 year after treatment of a primary lung cancer at National Chest Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica. Through strict adherence to surveillance guidelines, this metachronous cancer was detected, enabling the patient to be promptly treated.

Highlights

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer mortality [1]
It has been documented that patients can develop multiple primary lung cancer, with a 5% annual risk of a second primary cancer occurring after prior curative treatment
The development of a primary lung cancer following curative resection of a previous primary lung cancer is referred to as metachronous second primary lung cancer (MSPLC)

Summary

Introduction

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer mortality [1]. Every patient who has had curative resection for primary lung cancer may potentially develop MSPLC. With the widespread use of imaging in the form of high resolution computed tomography and positron emission tomography (PET), improvements in surgical cancer care, and longer survival of patients post resection of primary lung cancer, the detection of MSPLC is increasing [3]. Patients who present with MSPLC are usually older with medical comorbidities. They may have poor cardiopulmonary reserve and are unable to tolerate a lobectomy but may benefit from a sublobar resection.

Case Report

Findings

Discussion