Case Report

Unilateral Breast Enlargement as a Presenting Feature of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Authors: Ravi K. Bobba, MD, Kishore Gaddipati, MD, Julian Bick, MD, Edward L. Arsura, MD

Abstract

Breast enlargement associated with carcinoma of the lung is most commonly a paraneoplastic manifestation of non-small cell carcinoma. Hormonally mediated proliferation of the glandular component of the breast leads to unilateral or bilateral enlargement. This report describes a patient with small cell carcinoma of the lung who presented with unilateral breast enlargement related to superior vena cava obstruction.


Key Points


* Breast enlargement in males should arouse suspicion of malignancy.


* Obstruction of the superior vena cava should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral breast enlargement.


* Small cell lung cancer can be associated with unilateral breast enlargement.

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