(CR14) Post Obstructive Pneumonia Secondary to Squamous Cell Carcinoma Complicated with Lung Abscess: A Case Report

Introduction:

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Pneumonia tends to occur in 50–70% of patients with lung malignancy. Moreover, malignancy was first recognized at the time of presentation with pneumonia in 46.7% of cases. Most of the patient aged 65 years and older and those with unresolving pneumonia tend to be diagnosed with lung malignancy. Most cases of post-obstructive pneumonia occur in patients in the advanced stage of malignancy in which associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, delay in the resolution of pneumonia should be looked for, such as malignancy.

Case Presentation :

We report a 59 years old male, presented with non- resolving cough. Bronchial washing shows atypical cells. CECT done shows showed thick walled cavitary lesion with air fluid level of right lung and was diagnosed with lung abscess. Repeated 2nd bronchoscopy revealed SCC and CECT shows worsening lung cavity.

Conclusion :

Post obstructive pneumonias and lung abscess can be regarded as difficult clinical condition in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Many of these non-resolving radiologic opacification and persistent symptoms may not truly be infectious. Since lung cancer can be disguised as a lung abscess and can cause post obstructive pneumonia, identification of suspicious radiological features crucial to look for possible underlying malignancy especially in patient with risk factors for lung cancer.