# A Fragmented Rib as the First Clue to Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma

## TL;DR

A severely fragmented rib can be an early sign of advanced lung adenocarcinoma, even before breathing symptoms occur.

## Contribution

This paper presents a rare case where rib fragmentation was the first indicator of advanced lung cancer.

## Key findings

- Rib destruction on imaging can precede respiratory symptoms in lung adenocarcinoma.
- Uncommon radiographic features like rib fragmentation may signal underlying malignancy.

## Abstract

Severe rib destruction on initial imaging can be the first clue to advanced lung adenocarcinoma with skeletal metastases, even before respiratory symptoms appear.

Osteolytic bone metastases are common in advanced lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma; however, here we present a rare case of a patient presenting with dramatic rib fragmentation. This case highlights the importance of recognising uncommon radiographic features that may reflect underlying malignancy.