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An Aspirated Tooth Masquerading As Lung Cancer: A Unique Case Report
Emmanuel Meram1, Meghan Mansour2, Ali Khreisat3
1Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA.
Cureus
|March 11, 2024
Summary
Tooth aspiration can occur without obvious risk factors and mimic lung cancer symptoms like chronic cough. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent serious pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Medical Case Reports
- Foreign Body Aspiration
Background:
- Tooth aspiration is often associated with risk factors like dental issues or trauma.
- However, it can occur in individuals without apparent predisposing conditions.
- Undiagnosed foreign body aspiration can lead to prolonged, unrecognized symptoms.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with symptoms suggestive of lung carcinoma.
- Initial investigations focused on malignancy due to persistent symptoms including hemoptysis, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Further evaluation revealed an aspirated tooth as the underlying cause.
Findings:
- The aspirated tooth caused endobronchial obstruction.
- This obstruction led to secondary pulmonary complications, including post-obstructive pneumonia and atelectasis.
- The patient's presentation mimicked that of lung cancer.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in differential diagnoses, even without clear risk factors.
- Emphasizes the potential for aspirated foreign bodies to cause severe pulmonary pathology resembling malignancy.
- Underscores the need for timely diagnosis and management of tooth aspiration to prevent complications.
