Lung cancer masquerading in the background of bronchiectasis: a report of two cases and literature review

We report two cases of lung cancer that were surgically resected from patients with underlying bronchiectasis. These cases are unique because the tumors were diagnosed neither through elevated tumor markers, hypermetabolism on PET-CT, nor the presence of typical malignant imaging features. Instead, they were incidentally identified through histopathological examination following lobectomy performed for recurrent bronchiectasis-related infections. We aim to enhance clinicians’ vigilance toward occult malignancies in patients with bronchiectasis by summarizing the treatment course of such concealed tumors. Bronchiectasis maybe associated with lung cancer. Implementing a regular imaging surveillance maybe necessary for these patients. Furthermore, timely surgical intervention should be considered when clinical or radiological findings raise suspicion of malignancy.