Asymptomatic pulmonary nodules in a patient with early-stage breast cancer: Cryptococcus infection.
In breast cancer patients, pulmonary nodules are frequently considered a metastatic disease or primary lung tumor. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with early-stage breast cancer (T1micN0M0) presenting with asymptomatic pulmonary nodules in the left upper lobe at follow-up 6 years after she underwent a mastectomy. A presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis was made, and the patient underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy. Pathology showed granulomatous inflammation with Cryptococcus infection. Subsequently, antifungal therapy was prescribed, and full recovery followed. We demonstrate the importance of differentiating between pulmonary Cryptococcus infection and metastasis in breast cancer patients for correct management. The relationship between pulmonary Cryptococcus infection and breast cancer is also discussed.
Ou
Kuang-Wen
KW
Division of General Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325, Cheng-Kung Rd, Sec. 2, Neihu, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hsu
Kuo-Feng
KF
Cheng
Yeung-Leung
YL
Hsu
Giu-Cheng
GC
Hsu
Huan-Ming
HM
Yu
Jyh-Cherng
JC
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000097:blood; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology; D011859:Radiography
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D015725:Fluconazole