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Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Paraspinal Muscle Metastatic Mass
Matthew Harrison1, Amanda Jones1, Abebe Abebe2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 1020, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Case Reports in Oncological Medicine
|August 21, 2018
Summary
A painful paraspinal mass in a 39-year-old male was initially misdiagnosed as boils. Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma, likely from the lungs, highlighting rare muscular metastases as the sole presentation of distant cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
Background:
- Paraspinal masses can present with varied etiologies.
- Early diagnosis of malignancy is crucial for effective treatment.
- Muscular metastases are an uncommon manifestation of distant cancers.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male presented with a several-week history of a painful paraspinal mass.
- Initial treatment with antibiotics for presumed "boils" showed no improvement.
- Intractable pain led to admission and subsequent biopsy.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma, with likely pulmonary origin.
- The paraspinal mass represented the sole presentation of distant malignancy.
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of occult primary tumors.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic workup for persistent or worsening masses.
- Suggests considering metastatic disease in the differential diagnosis of paraspinal masses.
- Emphasizes the rare but significant presentation of muscular metastases as an isolated finding.
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