title: Recurrent breast cancer and endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration.
abstract: A 67 years old female with previous breast cancer and a 40-pack year smoking history presented with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections on a background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite a normal chest X-ray, the history of recurrent infections led to a high resolution computed tomography scan to exclude structural lung disease. This showed subcarinal lymphadenopathy, multiple nodules in the right lung and suggestion of lymphangitis. She proceeded to have EBUS-TBNA of the enlarged paratracheal and subcarinal lymph nodes. Cytology was consistent with the diagnosis of recurrent metastatic breast carcinoma. The patient went on to receive Letrozole and radiotherapy. EBUS-TBNA is typically used to both diagnose and stage suspected lung cancer, usually in a solitary procedure. However, it is also useful in patients with undiagnosed mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. This case adds to the paucity of literature whereby EBUS-TBNA was used as a quick and effective tool by which recurrent breast cancer was diagnosed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Helmy
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haja Mydin
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Mahendran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chetty
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Graeme P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Currie
keywords: Breast cancer; Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration; Lymphadenopathy