Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma With Metastases to Various Levels of Vertebra: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cureus. 2023 Apr 19;15(4):e37851. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37851. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

The consequences of lung cancer over the past century have been quite deadly and cost millions of lives. Besides the statistics that show its brutal mortality rate, the comorbidities secondary to lung cancer have had their toll and burden on patients too. Lung cancer is broadly and histologically divided into small and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), with the latter associated with a heavy smoking history. Initial presentation of NSCLC varies, and many patients present with an advanced disease that has spread to different parts of the body. Metastasis to the bone can lead to severe pain requiring extreme analgesia regimens. Here, we present a case of a 68-year-old male with advanced NSCLC who initially presented with bony pain due to metastasis.

Keywords: chemotherapy; metastatic non-small cell lung cancer; pet scans; spinal paraplegia; vertebra fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports