# Mycobacterium gordonae Infection in a Patient With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

## TL;DR

A patient with non-small cell lung cancer also had a Mycobacterium gordonae infection, highlighting the need for thorough evaluation in such cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the importance of considering lung cancer in patients with MG infection who do not respond to treatment.

## Key findings

- MG infection was diagnosed six months prior to lung cancer detection.
- The patient's worsening symptoms despite treatment led to the discovery of lung cancer.
- CT scan showed infiltrates and ground-glass opacity consistent with lung cancer.

## Abstract

Mycobacterium gordonae (MG) is one of the least pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). We report an unusual case of MG infection in a patient with newly diagnosed lung cancer. A 61-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and weight loss. Six months prior to admission, she was diagnosed with MG infection based on positive sputum cultures and bronchioalveolar lavage. Despite anti-mycobacterial therapy, her symptoms worsened and she lost approximately 100 pounds. A transbronchial biopsy obtained one week prior to admission revealed adenocarcinoma of the lung. At admission, vital signs were normal, and a physical exam revealed bilateral crackles. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed infiltrates with ground-glass opacity. The patient was admitted to the oncology service for evaluation. Our findings suggest that symptomatic individuals with positive cultures of MG should proceed with extensive workup for possible underlying lung cancer especially if not responding to anti-mycobacterial therapy.