Combined COVID-19-related chronic hypoxemia and lack of screening as a double challenge for the management of asymptomatic invasive lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) is the most diagnosed histological subtype of lung cancer and the lead ing cause of cancer death in men in Algeria. Defining the circumstances that preceded the diagnosis improves the manage ment options and reduces its incidence. However, data for this critical period are lacking. We report the case of a patient whose onset of severe COVID-19 and the incidental finding of an undefined LADC overlapped and delayed care of the malignancy. Case description. We present the case of a 65-year-old man, with invasive LADC discovered during a chest CT scan performed for suspected severe COVID-19. We describe the diagnostic methods and the patient. Histological examination by biopsy re quired to confirm diagnosis could not be performed due to chronic hypoxemia in the patient, which prevented the complete pathological diagnosis and staging of the disease. Conclusion. Given the prevalence and aggressiveness of LADC in men in Algeria, our study underscores the critical need to develop screening programs, aimed at identifying the disease in asymptomatic patients, in asymptomatic patients that could significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. This is particularly important because LADC patients often develop serious pathologies that can limit their treatment options. COVID-19 serves as a stark example of such limiting interference, further highlighting the importance of early detection in the management of LADC.