Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax as an initial manifestation of lung cancer: a case report
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By
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Jian-bao Yang
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Chong-Rui Li
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Cheng Wang
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Xiao-ping Wei
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Tao jing
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June 8, 2026
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Objective:
To highlight the diagnostic challenges of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) as a rare initial manifestation of lung cancer.
Key Findings:
- SSP can mask underlying lung cancer, even when initial imaging is negative.
- Histopathological examination revealed an infiltrating lung adenocarcinoma despite no preoperative suspicion.
Interpretation:
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for lung cancer in high-risk patients presenting with SSP.
Limitations:
- The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.
- The initial imaging did not reveal malignancy, which may not represent all cases.
Conclusion:
Routine intraoperative frozen section analysis is recommended to prevent delayed diagnosis of lung cancer in patients with SSP.
