Unusual local and distant metastases after complete resection of roentgenographically occult squamous cell carcinoma.

Roentgenographically occult squamous cell carcinoma (ROSCC) was reported to have been cured after complete resection. We experienced unusual local and distant metastases after complete resection of a ROSCC of left B6 bronchus. During the operation due to the proximal bronchial stump being positive for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a left lower sleeve lobectomy was performed. Six years after the operation, a chest CT showed no abnormal shadows. 6 months later a PET-CT showed metastases on bilateral supraclavicular lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph nodes, and the right adrenal glands. A biopsy of the right supraclavicular lymph node revealed that it was a metastatic SCC. The possibility of recurrence from a second pulmonary SCC might still remain. A prolonged follow-up over many years is desirable for a heavy smoker with a ROSCC.