Discovery of primary lung cancer following resection of rectal cancer lung metastasis: A case report.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks high among the most common types of malignant tumors. The primary cause of cancer-related mortality is metastasis, with lung metastases accounting for 32.9% of all cases of metastatic CRC (MCRC). However, cases of MCRC in the lungs, which present concurrently with primary peripheral lung adenocarcinoma, are exceptionally rare.

Case summary: This report describes the case of a 52-year-old female patient who, following a colonoscopy, was diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma based on rectal mucosal biopsy findings. A preoperative chest computed tomography scan revealed a ground-glass nodule in the right lung and a small nodule (approximately 0.6 cm in diameter) in the extramural basal segment of the left lower lobe, which suggested multiple lung metastases from rectal cancer. Subsequent treatment and follow-up led to a diagnosis of rectal cancer with left lung metastasis and peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lower lobe of the right lung.

Conclusion: This case report describes the therapeutic journey of a patient with lung metastasis from rectal cancer in addition to primary peripheral adenocarcinoma, thus underscoring the critical roles of multidisciplinary collaboration, personalized treatment strategies, and comprehensive patient rehabilitation guidance.