Role of Molecular Signature to Differentiate Second Primary Lung Cancer from Metastasis in a Patient with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity

Authors

Emrullah Yilmaz, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Gregory N. Gan, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Thomas M. Schroeder, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Andrew Cowan, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Nancy Joste, Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lung is the most common site of distant metastasis for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, differentiating second primary lung cancers from metastasis may be difficult for p16 negative HNSCC.

CASE: We describe a case of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who was found to have lung nodule and hilar lymphadenopathy (LAD) after surgery and radiation therapy. Hilar node was consistent with SCC however, it was difficult to differentiate second primary lung cancer and metastasis from oral cavity SCC. Next-generation sequencing was done for the primary oral cavity and the hilar node. Both samples had the same type of TP53 mutation and variants of unknown significance suggesting metastatic HNSCC. He was treated with a chemotherapy regimen for metastatic HNSCC.

CONCLUSION: Molecular studies can help to differentiate metastasis from second primary lung cancers for p16 negative HNSCC.

Recommended Citation

Yilmaz E, Gan GN, Schroeder TM, Cowan A, Joste N. Role of molecular signature to differentiate second primary lung cancer from metastasis in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2021 Aug;4(4):e1363. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1363. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34161676; PMCID: PMC8388157.