Small intestinal metastasis from small cell lung cancer

Abstract

A 71-year-old man who had small cell lung cancer was referred to our institution. Before starting chemotherapy, anemia progressed and stool examination was positive for occult blood. An abdominal computed tomography scan with contrast medium enhancement of the gastrointestinal tract disclosed a small intestinal tumor. Histological examination after the surgery confirmed that the tumor was metastasis of lung cancer. The patient survived for 3 years after the resection. Although clinically apparent metastases of lung cancer to the small intestine are rare and reported to have a poor prognosis, early detection and intervention might enhance the chance of survival. © 2006 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.