Rare medical cases, such as collision tumors, involve two distinct types of cancer occurring in the same area of the body without mixing at the cellular level, meaning the two types of cancer remain separate even though they share the same space. This unusual condition was diagnosed in a man, whose symptoms included a persistent cough, noticeable weight loss, and a long history of smoking. These signs led doctors to identify a rare type of tumor containing both lung cancer and a form of lymphoma, which is a cancer affecting the immune system.
Researchers, led by Maaweya Jabareen provided details of this extraordinary case in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. According to Jabareen, “To our knowledge, a collision tumor involving both pulmonary adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma within the same lymph node has not been previously reported.”
Medical investigations began with scans that showed widespread lung issues and swollen lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures that help the body fight infections and other diseases. A biopsy, where tissue is examined under a microscope to identify disease, confirmed the presence of two separate cancers—lung adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma—in the same lymph node. This combination posed unique challenges because each cancer type required different treatment methods.
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of lung cancer, known for spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a network that helps remove waste and fight infections. Small lymphocytic lymphoma, though less common, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which refers to a group of blood cancers that begin in the lymphatic system. The co-occurrence of these cancers in one lymph node is highly unusual. Jabareen believe such cases could result from shared risk factors or one cancer creating an environment that fosters the other’s growth.
Jabareen emphasize the need for thorough testing, including modern imaging techniques like CT scans, which create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, and precise laboratory evaluations to detect such rare and complex cases. Even though they are uncommon, collision tumors should be considered in complicated cancer diagnoses, especially when symptoms don’t match those typically seen with a single cancer type.
Patient decisions also play a critical role in managing advanced cancer. Despite receiving recommendations from the medical team, the patient declined further cancer treatment and follow-up care, which can include regular check-ups and medical interventions to manage symptoms or slow disease progression. This highlights the importance of addressing patient preferences while managing severe health conditions. “The rarity of this case not only emphasizes the diagnostic challenges but also underscores the need for patient-centered approaches in complex oncological scenarios,” Jabareen stated.
Complex cases like this expand our understanding of how different cancers behave and interact. Future research is crucial to uncover why these rare tumors develop and to design better treatment options for patients facing such challenging diagnoses.
Journal Reference
Jabareen, M., Aljaradat, A., Natsheh, M., Abu Asbeh, Y., & Shawar, H. “Collision tumor of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma: A rare case of concurrent malignancies in the same lymph node.” International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110230
About the Author
Maaweya Jabareen, a sixth-year medical student at Hebron University’s College of Medicine in Palestine, is committed to advancing clinical research, with a particular focus on rare and exceptional cases in surgery and medicine. Recently, he published three groundbreaking case studies, each recognized globally as the first of their kind. These studies emphasize unique clinical presentations and rare findings, showcasing his dedication to innovative medical research. Driven by a passion for innovation, Maaweya strives to contribute to improving medical knowledge and practice. Following his graduation, he plans to expand his research through larger-scale projects, with the goal of delivering transformative insights and advancements. His work aims to make a significant contribution to the ongoing evolution of the medical field.
