Synchronous primary lung cancer and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation

Abstract

We describe a 75-year-old Chinese man who presented with three separate tumors in three different lobes of the lung, without evidence of mediastinal or systemic involvement. All three tumors were surgically resected by minimal invasive approach. Based on a differing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, the tumors were characterized as synchronous triple primary rather than intrapulmonary metastases. This report highlights the clinical usefulness of molecular cancer biomarkers to determine prognosis and to guide management decision in multiple lung tumors.