Intrathoracic Ewing's sarcoma in an adult masquerading as lung abscess

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jan 31;17(1):e256631. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256631.

Abstract

Intrathoracic extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) is a relatively uncommon malignant tumour. Here, we present a scenario involving an adult man in his 20s with a large intrathoracic EES that manifested as a lung abscess. Preoperative diagnostic tests were inconclusive; hence, the patient underwent an exploratory thoracotomy for the excision of the mass. Histopathology revealed a small round blue cell tumour, and immunohistochemistry, along with fluorescence in situ hybridisation, confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was recommended, but the patient did not comply. A year later, he presented with a recurrence of the intrathoracic mass and subsequently received adjuvant chemotherapy. Currently, he is in remission.

Keywords: Cardiothoracic surgery; Lung cancer (oncology); Pathology; Radiology; Respiratory medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Humans
  • Lung Abscess* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral*
  • Sarcoma* / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma, Ewing* / pathology