Suspected Aerogenous Lung Metastases From Nasopharyngeal Cancer

A 44-year-old man experiencing repeated episodes of epistaxis and respiratory aspiration was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Although the tumor completely disappeared after chemoradiation, six pulmonary nodules developed in the right lower lobe within a year. Right lower lobectomy was performed. All nodules were metastases of the nasopharyngeal cancer. Surgery was performed despite a poor prognosis, and there has been no recurrence 12 years postoperatively. Aerogenous metastases were suggested owing to right lower lobe localization and the patient's symptoms and prolonged survival. The possibility of aerogenous spread and the efficacy of local therapy should be further studied.