# An Aspirated Tooth Masquerading As Lung Cancer: A Unique Case Report

## TL;DR

A 51-year-old man with COPD was initially suspected of having lung cancer, but the real cause was an aspirated tooth that went undiagnosed for months.

## Contribution

This case highlights the rare but important possibility of tooth aspiration mimicking lung cancer symptoms.

## Key findings

- Tooth aspiration can present with symptoms similar to lung cancer, such as hemoptysis and weight loss.
- Delayed diagnosis of aspirated foreign bodies can lead to complications like pneumonia and atelectasis.
- The case underscores the need for thorough evaluation of atypical symptoms in patients with COPD.

## Abstract

Tooth aspiration, while commonly linked to predisposing conditions such as loose teeth, facial surgeries, or injuries, can also affect patients without apparent risk factors. Such small foreign body aspirations may go undiagnosed for many months as patients often tolerate the symptoms, such as chronic cough. However, the protracted course of unaddressed foreign body aspiration has the potential to resemble symptoms of malignancy, including persistent hemoptysis, weight loss, and fatigue. In this report, we detail the case of a 51-year-old man with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) whose history and symptoms initially suggested lung carcinoma. Further investigation uncovered an aspirated tooth as the culprit. The sequelae of pulmonary complications arising from endobronchial obstruction, such as post-obstructive pneumonia and atelectasis, as demonstrated in our case, further emphasize the importance of prompt detection and management of tooth aspiration.