Presentation
This patient with a history of smoking was referred by his GP because of chronic cough.
Patient Data
A 3 cm round density is projected in the right upper zone. No other focal pulmonary abnormality is apparent. Heart and mediastinal contours appear normal.
The patient was referred to the rapid access lung cancer clinic for urgent investigation of a suspected lung tumor.
Selected images from a CT chest
CT performed three days later demonstrates a 3 cm cutaneous lesion at the right upper back, accounting for appearances on chest radiograph. There was no evidence of a pulmonary tumor.
Case Discussion
This lesion can easily be identified by clinical examination. Features on a radiograph suggestive of an extrapulmonary location include sharp circumscription, and the incomplete border sign.