[Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site with thoracic localization and HIV: four case reports]

Abstract

Introduction: Non AIDS-defining cancer would have increased in HIV-patients as suggested by numerous studies. Four cases of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site with thoracic localization that occurred in HIV-infected patients are described.

Exegesis: To date, there have been no published data about carcinomas of unknown primary site relating to HIV-infected patients; however, immunodepression could promote them. Carcinomas of unknown primary site account for 0.5 to 10% of all cancer in general population. Primary carcinoma is identified in approximately one third of the cases and often corresponds to lung cancer in case of sus-diaphragmatic metastasis, particularly in case of pleural metastasis. Lung cancer in HIV-infected patients affects mostly young men who smoke and are often intravenous drug addicts. Adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of cancer.

Conclusion: Further studies of lung cancer in HIV-infected patients will help evaluate their frequency. In case of increasing frequency, lung cancer should then be included in AIDS-defining cancers.