A Rare Case of Isolated Metastasis to the Pleura in the Setting of Newly Diagnosed Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Authors

Rakahn Haddadin, Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USAFollow
Humzah Iqbal, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Fresno, CA, USA, affiliation with HCA Healthcare
Danny Aboujamra, St. George’s University School of Medicine, Affiliation with HCA Healthcare
George Trad, Department of Gastroenterology, HCA Healthcare; Southern Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
John Ryan, Department of Gastroenterology, HCA Healthcare; Southern Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Hatim Gemil, Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Abstract

In the landscape of pancreatic cancer, extra-pancreatic manifestations like pleural effusion are exceptionally rare. Our case spotlights a 78-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with isolated metastasis to the pleura. The patient presented with exacerbated dyspnea and cough, shedding light on the uncommon link between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and pleural effusion. Pancreatic cancer typically exhibits nonspecific symptoms, and its association with pleural effusion significantly complicates diagnosis, often leading to delayed recognition and management challenges. This case underscores the diagnostic complexities and the need for heightened vigilance when faced with atypical presentations in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the intricacies of managing such rare extra-pancreatic manifestations.

Recommended Citation

Haddadin, Rakahn; Iqbal, Humzah; Aboujamra, Danny; Trad, George; Ryan, John; and Gemil, Hatim (2025) "A Rare Case of Isolated Metastasis to the Pleura in the Setting of Newly Diagnosed Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 15: Iss. 2, Article 16.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1454
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol15/iss2/16