# Incidental Findings in Clinical Practice: A Case of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Subsequent Lung Cancer Detection

## TL;DR

A patient admitted for mental confusion due to liver issues had an unexpected lung cancer discovery during routine tests, highlighting the value of thorough evaluations.

## Contribution

The case highlights the importance of identifying and acting on incidental findings in clinical assessments.

## Key findings

- A routine chest X-ray revealed a lung nodule during evaluation for hepatic encephalopathy.
- The nodule was diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer after further testing.
- The case underscores the need for comprehensive assessments to improve patient outcomes.

## Abstract

Altered mental status (AMS) poses a challenge for healthcare providers due to its extensive differential diagnosis. A 67-year-old female patient with a complex medical history was admitted to the hospital due to AMS stemming from hepatic encephalopathy. During her evaluation, a routine chest X-ray revealed a right upper lobe pulmonary nodule, which was subsequently diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer following further imaging and biopsy. This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments of incidental findings. The unanticipated identification of lung cancer in this instance underscores the critical role of early detection and a holistic diagnostic strategy, especially in populations at heightened risk, to inform effective management and enhance patient outcomes.