Gastroparesis as the initial presentation of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Malignancy-associated gastroparesis is an under-reported entity and its diagnosis as a cause of cachexia or gastrointestinal symptoms is often missed in clinical practice. This case report highlights an unusual association of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with gastroparesis at presentation. Malignancy-associated gastroparesis should be added to the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with delayed gastric emptying of unknown aetiology and should prompt further radiological investigations. Early detection and treatment of underlying gastroparesis in patients with cancer is necessary to improve the quality of life and to avoid premature clinical deterioration due to intolerance to oral treatment. 2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.