Pleural effusion as the initial presentation of synchronous small lymphocytic lymphoma and non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with chronic cough for 2 months. A chest X-ray showed new-onset left pleural effusion, and chest computed tomography confirmed left pleural effusion in addition to small ground-glass nodules in both lungs. Analysis of the pleural effusion including culture and cytology did not show specific findings at a local hospital. Due to suspected lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion, thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed Stage I lung adenocarcinoma and concurrent primary pulmonary small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). This is a very rare case of primary pulmonary SLL and a concurrent lung adenocarcinoma.