Metastatic prostate cancer initially presenting as chylothorax: A case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Urology

Background:

• Chylothorax, characterized by chyle leakage into the pleural space, typically results from thoracic duct disruption or obstruction.
• Common causes include malignancy and trauma, with lymphoma being the most frequent oncologic etiology.
• Prostate cancer is an uncommon cause of chylothorax.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of metastatic prostate cancer presenting initially as chylothorax.
• To highlight the potential efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy in managing this rare manifestation.
• To discuss rare presentations of metastatic prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient with metastatic prostate cancer.
• Clinical observation of chylothorax resolution following treatment.
• Review of literature on rare prostate cancer manifestations.

Main Results:

• The patient's metastatic prostate cancer initially presented as chylothorax.
• Androgen deprivation therapy led to the resolution of pleural effusion.
• This case underscores chylothorax as a rare, yet possible, initial presentation of metastatic prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

• Metastatic prostate cancer can manifest rarely as chylothorax.
• Androgen deprivation therapy may be an effective treatment for chylothorax secondary to prostate cancer.
• Increased awareness of rare presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.