A young man with a large lung mass

Steven Praske; David Bradshaw; John Roberts; John Childs

doi:10.4081/cdr.2.197

Authors

Steven Praske
steven.praske@med.navy.mil
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, United States.
David Bradshaw Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, United States.
John Roberts Pathology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, United States.
John Childs Pathology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, United States.

A 27-year-old man presented with a large solitary lung mass. Transbronchial lung biopsy and lobectomy specimens showed malignant melanoma. A thorough search for a primary melanoma lesion, including an ophthalmic exam and a dermatologic exam with special attention to the skin, mucous membranes, genitals, perineum, scalp, and nails showed no lesions suspicious for a melanoma. The diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the lung was considered. Whole-body positron emission tomography scan with computed tomography fusion imaging at the time of diagnosis showed no evidence of tumor outside the chest, and the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the lung was confirmed. The prognosis of patients with this exceedingly rare neoplasm is poor, though surgical intervention may be warranted in some cases.

Steven Praske, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego

3rd year Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow

David Bradshaw, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

John Roberts, Pathology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Pathologist

John Childs, Pathology Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Pathologist

Praske, S., Bradshaw, D., Roberts, J., & Childs, J. (2012). A young man with a large lung mass. Chest Disease Reports, 2(1), e4. https://doi.org/10.4081/cdr.2.197