Pancreatic solitary metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma: A rare case report

RATIONALE: Lung cancer is a common malignancy worldwide, but its metastasis to the pancreas is rare. Among lung cancer cases with pancreatic metastasis, small cell carcinoma is one of the most common pathological types, while squamous cell carcinoma is a very rare type. Most patients with pancreatic metastases are asymptomatic, which can easily lead to missed diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 61-year-old man who presented with a solitary mass in the pancreatic tail over 20 months after undergoing surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the right lower lung. A retrospective review of imaging studies revealed that pancreatic lesions had been missed on contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scans performed at 14 and 16 months after the lung surgery. The patient subsequently underwent radical surgical resection of the pancreatic metastases, which confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. DIAGNOSES: A pancreatic mass was identified on contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Pathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of lung origin. INTERVENTIONS: Radical surgical resection. OUTCOMES: A solitary mass was discovered in the pancreas and was pathologically confirmed to be a metastasis from the patient's primary squamous cell carcinoma of the right lower lung, which had been resected 20 months prior. The patient died from progression of the metastatic disease 10 months after undergoing a right nephrectomy. LESSONS: Pancreatic metastasis of lung squamous carcinoma is rare and insidious. Therefore, radiologists should meticulously review imaging studies to detect smaller lesions in a timely manner. This vigilant approach is crucial for ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment and potentially prolonging their survival.