Distant Lung Recurrence of Rectal Cancer 20 Years After Primary Surgery

A male patient in his 70s, who had undergone an abdominoperineal (A1) resection for rectal cancer 20 years prior, presented with hemoptysis. Imaging studies revealed distant lung recurrence, with no evidence of local recurrence. Biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma, possibly of rectal origin. Immunohistochemical markers were suggestive of rectal cancer metastasis. However, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were normal, and colonoscopy did not reveal any metachronous lesions. Curative left upper lobe resection was performed via posterolateral thoracotomy. The patient's recovery was uneventful.