• So-Yeon Jeon, Yeong-Hun Choe, Eun-Kee Song, Chang-Yeol Yim, and Na-Ri Lee.
• Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Oct 29; 100 (43): e27620e27620.

RationalePulmonary foreign body aspiration is a serious medical problem. The risk of foreign body aspiration into the airways increases considerably in patients with end stage cancer with reduced consciousness and impaired airway reflexes. However, few studies have reported on foreign body aspiration in the airways in patients with terminal cancer or receiving end-of-life care. Herein, we report the use of flexible bronchoscopy in patients with end-of-life cancer with pulmonary aspiration.Patient ConcernsA 71-year-old man with neuroendocrine carcinoma was admitted to a palliative care unit for end-of-life care. He accidentally aspirated implant teeth into the airway with decreased consciousness and death rattle.DiagnosisOn chest x-ray, the foreign material was observed in the left main bronchus.InterventionsDespite concerns regarding the use of bronchoscopy given the deterioration of the overall organ function, flexible bronchoscopy was performed.OutcomesEventually, the foreign body was removed using a basket in the nasal cavity without major complications. The patient died comfortably after 7 days.LessonsThe possibility of patients in the palliative care unit with reduced consciousness and death rattle to aspirate foreign bodies into the airways must be carefully considered. Flexible bronchoscopy should be considered to carefully remove aspirated foreign bodies in the airway without any side effects, even in patients with terminal cancer or receiving end-of-life care.Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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