Metastatic large cell carcinoma of the lung: A rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction

Thorac Cancer. 2020 Nov;11(11):3379-3382. doi: 10.1111/1759-7714.13656. Epub 2020 Sep 11.

Abstract

Here, we report a case of acute intestinal obstruction as the initial presentation of primary lung cancer in a male patient. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed multiple polypoid masses and regional lymphadenopathy with small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent emergency surgery for multiple luminal malignancy with mesenteric masses. According to the various clinicopathological features, the tumor was confirmed to be metastatic large cell carcinoma originating from the lung. Large masses in the left lower lobe of the lung were identified on the chest CT after emergency surgery, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), not otherwise specified (NOS), was finally diagnosed on biopsy through bronchoscopy.

Keywords: Large cell carcinoma; lung cancer; metastasis; small bowel obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / pathology
  • Intestine, Small / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male