Incidental Findings in Clinical Practice: A Case of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Subsequent Lung Cancer Detection

Altered mental status (AMS) poses a challenge for healthcare providers due to its extensive differential diagnosis. A 67-year-old female patient with a complex medical history was admitted to the hospital due to AMS stemming from hepatic encephalopathy. During her evaluation, a routine chest X-ray revealed a right upper lobe pulmonary nodule, which was subsequently diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer following further imaging and biopsy. This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments of incidental findings. The unanticipated identification of lung cancer in this instance underscores the critical role of early detection and a holistic diagnostic strategy, especially in populations at heightened risk, to inform effective management and enhance patient outcomes.