Synchronous presentation of primary non-small cell lung carcinoma and pheochromocytoma

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

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.

Combined robotic lobectomy and adrenalectomy for lung cancer and solitary adrenal metastasis

Combined robotic lobectomy and adrenalectomy in select patients is oncologically sound and associated with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Background and Objectives:

Surgical resection of isolated adrenal metastasis in primary lung cancer is associated with improved survival. We report a combined robotic lobectomy and adrenalectomy for resection of a primary lung cancer and metastasis to the adrenal gland.

Methods:

A 69-year-old male with a significant smoking history and shortness of breath was found to have a 3-cm left upper lobe mass with an enlarged left adrenal gland measuring 1.5cm. The adrenal gland was biopsied confirming metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma, likely lung cancer. Computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and mediastinoscopy revealed no evidence of disease outside the adrenal gland.

Results:

Following induction chemotherapy, the patient underwent combination robotic lobectomy, lymphadenectomy, and adrenalectomy while in the same lateral decubitus position. Thoracic and urologic oncology teams performed their respective portions of the operation. Overall operative time was 4 hours, and length of hospital stay was 3 days. Estimated blood loss was 150mL with no narcotic requirements beyond the first postoperative day. Final pathology revealed large cell carcinoma of the lung with metastasis to the adrenal. All surgical margins were negative.

Conclusions:

Combination robotic lobectomy and adrenalectomy is feasible and can be associated with a short convalescence, minimal pain, and an oncologically sound approach.