A case of synchronous presentation of primary non-small cell lung carcinoma and pheochromocytoma

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul). 2013 Apr;74(4):181-6. doi: 10.4046/trd.2013.74.4.181. Epub 2013 Apr 30.

Abstract

We report a rare synchronous presentation of primary lung cancer and adrenal pheochromocytoma. A 59-year-old woman was diagnosed with right upper lobe non-small cell lung carcinoma measuring 2.8 cm and a right adrenal gland mass measuring 3.5 cm, which displayed increased metabolic activity on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography. The adrenal lesion was revealed to be asymptomatic. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy and histological examination revealed a pheochromocytoma. Ten days later, right upper lobectomy was performed for lung cancer. This case indicates that incidental adrenal lesions found in cases of resectable primary lung cancer should be investigated.

Keywords: Carcinoma; Lung; Pheochromocytoma.