Rare Lung Cancer & Pulmonary Fibrosis Case Report | Cureus

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BOSTON, December 28, 2025 – A 62-year-old man presented with a startlingly rare combination: lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis in onyl one lung, a condition traced back to a congenital absence of the pulmonary artery on that side. The case, detailed in a recent report, highlights the diagnostic challenges when seemingly unrelated conditions converge.

Unusual Lung Condition Linked to Rare Vascular Anomaly

The patient’s case underscores the importance of considering atypical presentations of both lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

• the patient had a unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery, a rare congenital defect.
• This lead to unilateral pulmonary fibrosis, scarring of the lung tissue.
• He was also diagnosed with lung cancer in the same affected lung.
• The case emphasizes the need for thorough examination when faced with unusual lung presentations.

Diagnosing lung conditions can be tricky, but this case was particularly complex. Pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs, typically affects both lungs. Lung cancer, while frequently enough linked to smoking, can sometiems arise seemingly out of the blue. What made this case truly exceptional was the discovery that the patient had never developed a pulmonary artery in his left lung.

The Congenital Defect and it’s Consequences

The patient, a former smoker with a 40-pack-year history, initially sought medical attention for shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Imaging revealed significant fibrosis in his left lung, along with a suspicious nodule. Further investigation confirmed the nodule was cancerous-specifically, adenocarcinoma. Though, the underlying cause of the fibrosis remained elusive until a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan revealed the complete absence of the left pulmonary artery.

The absence of the pulmonary artery substantially reduces blood flow to the affected lung, leading to chronic inflammation and, ultimately, pulmonary fibrosis. This altered lung surroundings can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Understanding the long-term consequences of unilateral pulmonary artery absence is crucial. The reduced blood flow and chronic inflammation create a microenvironment susceptible to both fibrosis and malignant conversion. Early detection of these complications is paramount.

Strategies for early Detection and Prevention

Given the rarity of this condition, proactive strategies are needed. These include:

• High-Resolution CT scans: for individuals with unexplained unilateral lung changes, HRCT scans should be considered to rule out vascular anomalies.
• Genetic Screening: While not currently standard practice, research into genetic predispositions to pulmonary artery absence may allow for early identification of at-risk individuals.
• Regular Lung Cancer Screening: Patients with unilateral pulmonary fibrosis,especially those with a history of smoking,should undergo regular low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening.
• Inflammation Management: Investigating therapies to mitigate chronic inflammation in the affected lung could perhaps slow the progression of fibrosis.

The patient’s case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, integrating imaging, clinical history, and a thorough understanding of rare anatomical variations. Continued vigilance and a collaborative approach are essential for optimizing patient care in complex cases like this one.