Cystic liver metastases from lung adenocarcinoma: a case report

Tumori. 2004 Sep-Oct;90(5):525-7. doi: 10.1177/030089160409000518.

Abstract

Cystic hepatic metastases arising from lung cancer are rare. We herein describe a case of a 71-year-old women admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain 6 months after the resection of a lung adenocarcinoma. Two cystic lesions of the liver were discovered at abdominal ultrasonography and computerized tomography scan. An ERCP excluded a biliary adenoma or adenocarcinoma, and an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was negative for malignant cells. For persistence of symptoms and lack of a diagnosis, the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, a surgical biopsy with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, and a consequent right hepatectomy. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient is well and disease free. Although cystic liver metastasis are rare and a differential diagnosis difficult, the malignant nature should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatic cysts to offer the patient the best treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hepatectomy
  • Hepatic Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Radiography, Abdominal / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography