Non-small cell lung cancer presenting as back cyst

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Cutaneous metastasis from lung cancer is an uncommon presentation.
• It is associated with a poor prognosis and limited life expectancy.
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old woman presented with a back cyst, which was later diagnosed as extensive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
• The benign appearance of the cyst and challenges in locating the primary tumor caused diagnostic and treatment delays.
• Despite the patient's request for aggressive treatment, she passed away two weeks after its initiation.

Findings:

• Cutaneous lesions can be the initial indicator of advanced internal malignancy.
• Delayed diagnosis significantly impacts treatment efficacy and patient prognosis.
• Metastatic lung cancer presenting as a skin cyst is a rare clinical scenario.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for cutaneous lesions as potential signs of underlying cancer.
• Highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cancer cases.
• Underscores the critical role of patient quality of life in treatment decisions for advanced malignancies.