Lung cancer in association with yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare occurrence, characterized by yellow nails together with lymphedema and/or chronic respiratory disorders. This syndrome was first described in 1964 by Samman et al.1 Etiology is still unknown. The disease starts with the appearance of ungual anomalies. Patients generally suffer from chronic bronchitis and in some cases chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and recurrent pneumonia. Pleural effusions (30% of cases) and bronchial hyperactivity may also occur.2 YNS is associated with several conditions, included autoimmune3 and immunodeficiency disorders,4 nephrotic syndrome, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.5 Occurrences in association with tumors such as endometrium cancers,6 Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas,7 melanoma,8 and breast3 cancers have been reported. We report the second case, to our knowledge, of lung cancer associated with YNS registered in the world; Thomas et al9 described the first one in 1987.