TITLE:
Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Presenting with Paraplegia—A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Ndubuisi Ebere Duru, Francis Nnakenyi, Uto Essien Adetula, Nnamdi Igwe, Blasius Okechukwu Okwara, Obinna Ogboji, Bawo Okonedo, Paschal Onyefulu
KEYWORDS:
Lung Adenocarcinoma, Spinal Metastasis, Paraplegia, Decompression, Fusion
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Adenocarcinomas constitute 40% of lung cancers and are the commonest type. Clinical symptoms are usually rare in the early stages of the disease and may be found on X-ray or CT scan as a round or oval mass, which is slow-growing. In some conditions, the spinal metastasis can lead to compression of the dural sac and its contents (spinal cord and/or cauda equina) by an extradural tumour mass, resulting in loss of neurological function with paralysis of the extremities as well as loss of autonomic functions like bowel and bladder control. We present a case of a young lady who presented with paraplegia without any prior respiratory symptoms. She was unable to sit due to the loss of stability of the lumbar spine. She had posterior spinal decompression and stabilization with pedicle screws and rods, as well as primary lung tumour excision. Histological analysis confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lungs. Patient was able to mobilize on a wheelchair postoperatively without back pain but did not gain power or sensation. She has since received adjuvant radiotherapy and has been stable.