Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Presenting With Severe Tracheal Deviation: A Case Report

Abstract

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is usually diagnosed in adults between the ages of 18-35 years. Here, we present a case of a young adult who presented with severe tracheal deviation and was diagnosed with advanced-stage NSCLC with no past medical or social histories; she presented with worsening right arm pain, numbness, and tingling over the course of three weeks. She presented to an urgent care center that prescribed her nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants without any symptom improvement. Her pain continued to worsen, and she went to the emergency department (ED) where an X-ray and CT angiogram were performed revealing a large right lung mass severely compressing the trachea. Biopsies confirmed non-small cell lung cancer and the patient was started on chemotherapy. As clinicians, sometimes we do not pay attention to young patients with nonspecific complaints. This case clearly reflects the importance of proper evaluation of symptoms even though there is low clinical suspicion.