Occult Small-cell Lung Cancer Research Articles

A case of cancer-associated retinopathy with chorioretinitis and optic neuritis associated with occult small cell lung cancer

BackgroundCancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is associated with various malignancies, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It is difficult to recognize, but prompt diagnosis is crucial for the patient, as retinopathy may be a herald sign that precedes systemic manifestations by months, thus allowing early treatment of the underlying malignancy.Case presentationWe present a rare case of CAR with chorioretinitis and optic neuritis in a patient with occult SCLC. The patient presented with rapidly progressive peripheral field loss and photopsias with “prism-like” visual disturbances. Her symptoms stabilized with intravenous methylprednisolone, and her cancer was treated with carboplatin, etoposide and radiotherapy.ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of SCLC-associated CAR to present with chorioretinitis. CAR can be a herald feature of SCLC, and early recognition of the disease should prompt a systemic evaluation for an occult malignancy, which may be critical for patient survival. Further understanding of CAR pathogenesis may offer potential avenues for treatment.

Blepharospasm and Apraxia of Eyelid Opening Associated with Anti-Hu Paraneoplastic Antibodies: A Case Report

To report a case of blepharospasm associated with anti-Hu paraneoplastic antibodies that was treated successfully with botulinum toxin A. Case report. A 57-year-old man had altered mental status and a 20-pound weight loss at presentation. Evaluation revealed an occult small-cell lung cancer. Despite initiating appropriate chemotherapy, his mental status worsened and over the course of several weeks, he was unable to open his eyes because of forceful orbicularis contractions. Neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies found no evidence of intracranial metastases. However, his paraneoplastic panel was positive for anti-Hu antibodies. He was diagnosed with paraneoplastic encephalitis and blepharospasm. Intravenous Solu-Medrol (Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, Bridgewater, NJ) and periocular injections of botulinum toxin A. Ocular disease control. Intravenous Solu-Medrol improved his mental status, but did not change his ocular symptoms. Subsequent botulinum toxin A injections allowed spontaneous eyelid opening. Although paraneoplastic blepharospasm is rare, it is an important diagnosis to be aware of because paraneoplastic disorders often herald an occult tumor. This is the only case of paraneoplastic blepharospasm that the authors know of that was the result of anti-Hu antibodies as well as the only case that was treated with botulinum toxin A.

Occult Small Cell Lung Cancer Associated with Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndrome: Case Report

Cancer is often associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, which may be misinterpreted. We report a case of a patient with occult small cell lung cancer that was initially compounded by clinical features of a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome. The presence of antineuronal antibodies and positron emission tomography scan guided the search for the underlying tumor. Following chemo-radiotherapy the patient showed no evidence of disease for the next 18 months, whereas only a slight improvement in the neurologic disorders was observed. The course of the small cell lung cancer was very indolent and the paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome did not worsen with the use of cisplatin.

Roentgenographically Occult Small-Cell Lung Cancer after Resection of Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract: This report describes a rare case of roentgenographically occult small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) diagnosed in a 67-year-old man after resection of locally advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma of the left lower lobe. One month postoperatively, chest roentgenogram and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed no abnormality but bronchoscopic examination showed a dome-shaped lesion with engorged capillaries on the spur between the posterior and anterior segmental bronchi of the right upper lobe; a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of SCLC. The patient received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Bronchoscopy performed after this therapy showed no evidence of tumor and he attained a complete response. One year and 8 months after the initiation of therapy for SCLC, he died of recurrent brain and liver metastasis. The histologic type of this recurrence was not determined. However, this recurrence seemed to be caused by SCLC because of the markedly elevated level of Pro-GRP (gastrin-releasing peptide), which is highly specific for SCLC.

Roentgenographically Occult Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Case Report and Review of the Literature

This report describes a rare case of roentgenographically occult small-cell lung cancer in a 73-year-old man with hemoptysis. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy disclosed a 5-mm dome-shaped lesion; a biopsy established the diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer. The patient received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More than 10 years later, he is still alive without recurrent disease. A review of the literature of roentgenographically occult small-cell lung cancer revealed the following: (1) a history of heavy smoking was common; (2) double primary bronchogenic carcinoma was noted; (3) hemoptysis or bloody sputum was an initial common symptom; (4) the sensitivity of sputum cytologic analysis was relatively low; (5) the tumor, which was shiny, smooth, and covered with bronchial epithelium, was often located at the bifurcation; and (6) lymph node metastatic involvement occurred.

Serum creatine kinase BB isoenzyme as a diagnostic aid in occult small cell lung cancer

Serum creatine kinase BB isoenzyme as a diagnostic aid in occult small cell lung cancer