A case of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma confounded by complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Issue 10 (23rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stern, Ken M; Benn, Bryan S
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-23
• Subjects: vitamins and supplements -- exposures -- pancreatic cancer -- interstitial lung disease; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is widespread. Using these therapies may lead to treatment delays or confound the clinical picture when problems arise. Inquiry regarding CAM therapies used is an important part of a thorough history for any cancer patient. A 48-year-old man with a history of stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma was referred for a second opinion for a worsening dry cough in the setting of cavitary ground-glass opacities and non-cavitating nodules found on chest CT. Previous workup was non-diagnostic and his CT findings were atypical for pulmonary metastasis. Due to his extensive alternative therapy use, he was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Flexible bronchoscopy with transbronchial cryobiopsies revealed adenocarcinoma with intestinal/pancreatobiliary differentiation, consistent with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Adjacent alveolar parenchyma was without evidence of ILD. Atypical CT patterns of pulmonary metastasis should lead to an investigation regarding other possible causes.