Development of small cell lung cancer following gunshot wound to the chest

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy that often presents with advanced disease and is highly associated with tobacco use. While some studies demonstrate a potential relationship between sites of trauma and cancer development, the development of SCLC in relation to traumatic injury has not been well studied. The authors report the case of a man in his 70s who presented with biopsy-proven limited stage SCLC in the left upper lobe of the lung 45 years following a gunshot wound to the chest. The patient underwent surgical resection and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Three years after biopsy, surveillance imaging demonstrated no sign of recurrence. He remains clinically well. This case suggests a possible relationship between small cell carcinoma and trauma associated with foreign bodies, such as metallic bullets.