Synchronous lung adenocarcinoma in situ and type B2-B3 thymoma in a frozen hemithorax: a case report and multidisciplinary approach - Summary - MDSpire

Synchronous lung adenocarcinoma in situ and type B2-B3 thymoma in a frozen hemithorax: a case report and multidisciplinary approach

  • By

  • Chenglin Fan

  • Gaoyuan Sang

  • Ziyi Liang

  • Jialin Yu

  • Sixuan Song

  • Jingjun Zhu

  • Zhengzhe Xu

  • May 15, 2026

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Objective:

To report a rare case of synchronous primary lung adenocarcinoma in situ and thymoma, emphasizing its significance in clinical practice and the diagnostic challenges faced.

Key Findings:
  • The initial PET/CT indicated hypermetabolic activity due to severe inflammation, complicating diagnosis and leading to potential misinterpretation.
  • Final pathology revealed adenocarcinoma in situ (0.66 cm) and a B2-B3 thymoma (Ki-67 >30%), highlighting the diagnostic challenges.
  • The patient had a smooth postoperative recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 6, demonstrating the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach.
Interpretation:

This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by hypermetabolic inflammatory responses that can obscure true malignancies, emphasizing the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach in managing high-risk patients.

Limitations:
  • The rarity of synchronous tumors limits generalizability and may affect the applicability of findings to broader patient populations.
  • Potential biases in imaging interpretation and surgical outcomes due to the patient's complex medical history should be acknowledged.
Conclusion:

This case illustrates the importance of careful imaging interpretation and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex thoracic neoplasms, particularly in high-risk patients, to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure optimal treatment.

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