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Pleural small cell carcinoma with massive pleural effusion: A case report
Jong Geol Jang1, Min Hye Jang2, June Hong Ahn1
1Department of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine.
Medicine
|November 27, 2019
Summary
Small cell carcinoma of the pleura (SCCP) is a rare diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering SCCP in patients with pleural masses and effusion, even when lung cancer is not evident.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Small cell carcinoma (SCC) predominantly affects the lungs, accounting for 13% of lung cancer diagnoses.
- Extrapulmonary SCC is rare, representing only 2.5% of all SCC cases.
- Primary small cell carcinoma of the pleura (SCCP) is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old male presented with over a week of worsening dyspnea.
- Chest CT revealed massive pleural effusion and diffuse nodular pleural thickening.
- A sonography-guided pleural biopsy confirmed SCC.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with primary SCCP due to the absence of lung parenchymal lesions.
- Given the patient's age and poor performance status, chemotherapy was withheld.
- Pleural effusion drainage was performed for symptomatic relief.
Implications:
- Dyspnea resolved following pleural effusion management.
- This case underscores the need to consider SCCP in the differential diagnosis of pleural masses with effusion, alongside mesothelioma.
- Early consideration of SCCP can guide appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for this rare condition.
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