Abstract
In an asymptomatic patient who is a nonsmoker, there is low likelihood to diagnose early lung cancer unless found incidentally. We present a case of a 66-year-old male non-smoker who presented emergently with recurrent syncopal episodes and dyspnea. Work up revealed long standing chronic lytic soft-tissue mass eroding into the right zygomatic arch and large left pleural effusion with mediastinal shift.
Highlights
Lung cancer is an aggressive disease with projections estimating that more than 150,000 Americans will die in 2018 from lung cancer [1]
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as a Facial Soft Tissue Metastasis in a Non-Smoker
Soft tissues remain a notable site for metastases of non-small cell lung cancers and typically confer poor prognosis
Summary
Lung cancer is an aggressive disease with projections estimating that more than 150,000 Americans will die in 2018 from lung cancer [1]. While the major sites of metastases are the solid organs, the rate of soft tissue metastases has been reported as 0.75-9% [2]. Work up revealed long standing chronic lytic soft-tissue mass eroding into the right zygomatic arch and large left pleural effusion with mediastinal shift. Biopsy confirmed lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma in the facial mass. Soft tissues remain a notable site for metastases of non-small cell lung cancers and typically confer poor prognosis. This case demonstrates an elusive yet daunting presentation of an otherwise typically indolent disease. Our case posits that for those patients without indication for lung cancer screening, lung cancer may appear as a set of benign-appearing symptoms, further emphasizing the importance of a diligent workup
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