Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenic Metastasis from Primary Lung Carcinoma

• Published in: Case reports in surgery 2018, Vol.2018, p.2620301-2620301
• Main Authors: Lopera, Carlos A, Vergnaud, Jean Pierre, Matute-Turizo, Gustavo, Pereira-Warr, Salin
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2090-6900
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/2620301

INTRODUCTIONIsolated splenic metastases are a rare finding. Though several primary tumors can produce splenic metastases, including lung carcinoma, there are very few documented cases of isolated splenic metastases from lung carcinoma. This report presents such a case in which the splenic metastasis was removed with laparoscopic splenectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASEA 69-year-old woman with a history of lung carcinoma presented with several months of abdominal pain. Abdominal CT identified a splenic mass which was resected laparoscopically. Pathology confirmed a splenic metastasis from a primary large cell lung carcinoma. DISCUSSIONDue to its anatomical and physiological characteristics, the spleen is a well-protected organ with respect to metastatic spread. The rarity of such metastases means that there is no evidence-based form of management. This case presents this rare metastatic occurrence and the successful management of the disease via laparoscopic splenectomy. CONCLUSIONSThis case confirms that splenic metastases can result from a primary lung carcinoma. Furthermore, the case supports successful management of this pathology by laparoscopic splenectomy.