Rare medical cases, such as collision tumors, involve two different types of cancer occurring in the same area of the body without mixing on a cellular level, meaning the two types of cancer remain separate even though they share the same space. . The unusual condition was diagnosed in a man whose symptoms included a persistent cough, significant weight loss and a long history of smoking. Those signs led doctors to discover a rare tumor that contained both lung cancer and a type of lymphoma, a cancer that affects the immune system.
Researchers led by Maaweya Jabareen provide details of this remarkable case in the International Journal of Surgical Case Reports. “To our knowledge, the coexistence of collision tumors with lung adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma within the same lymph node has not been previously reported,” Jabareen said.
The medical investigation began with scans that revealed widespread lung problems and enlarged lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures that help the body fight infections and other illnesses. A biopsy, which examines tissue under a microscope to identify disease, confirmed the presence of two different cancers—lung adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma—in the same lymph node. This combination presents unique challenges because each cancer type requires a different treatment approach.
Lung adenocarcinoma, the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer, is known for spreading to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system (networks that help remove waste and fight infection). Small lymphocytic lymphoma, although less common, is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a group of blood cancers that begin in the lymphatic system. It is very unusual for these cancers to occur in one lymph node at the same time. Jabalin believes such cases may be due to shared risk factors or one cancer creating an environment that promotes the growth of another.
Jabareen stressed the need for thorough testing, including modern imaging techniques such as CT scans, which produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body, as well as precise laboratory evaluation, to detect such rare and complex cases. Although collision tumors are uncommon, they should be considered in complex cancer diagnoses, especially when symptoms do not match those common to a single cancer type.
Patient decisions also play a key role in the treatment of advanced cancer. Despite receiving advice from the medical team, the patient declined further cancer treatment and follow-up care, which included regular checkups and medical interventions to control symptoms or slow disease progression. This highlights the importance of meeting patient preferences while managing serious health conditions. “The rarity of this case highlights not only the diagnostic challenges but also the need for a patient-centered approach in complex oncological situations,” said Jabareen.
Complex cases like this expand our understanding of how different cancers behave and interact. Future research will be critical to uncovering the causes of these rare tumors and designing better treatment options for patients facing such challenging diagnoses.
Journal reference
Jabareen, M., Aljaradat, A., Natsheh, M., Abu Asbeh, Y., and Shawar, H. “Collision tumors of lung adenocarcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma: a rare case of concurrent malignancy in the same lymph node.” International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 2024.
About the author
Mavia Jabalinis a sixth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hebron in Palestine, dedicated to promoting clinical research with a special focus on rare and special cases in the field of surgery and medicine. Most recently, he has published three groundbreaking case studies, each recognized globally as the first of its kind. These studies highlight unique clinical manifestations and rare findings, demonstrating his dedication to innovative medical research. Driven by a passion for innovation, Maaweya is committed to contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and practice. After graduation, he plans to expand his research through larger-scale projects with the goal of providing transformative insights and advances. His work aims to make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the medical field.
