Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung

Surgical Management in a Paediatric Case of Endobronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Involving the Carina

Although mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most diagnosed malignancy of the salivary gland, it rarely localises to the bronchus, accounting for only 0.1-0.2% of all primary lung malignancies. Of those pulmonary MECs, most are found in segmental or lobar bronchi, and they are rarely found in mainstem bronchi, highlighting the novelty of this presentation for thoracic specialists. We present a case report of a seven-year-old female who underwent a carinal resection and a right upper lobectomy for the management of an endobronchial MEC causing right middle lobe (RML) obstruction. Intraoperatively, an exophytic mass originating from the junction of the right main bronchus and bronchus intermedius was identified, causing a partial obstruction of the RML bronchus. Frozen sections demonstrated clear margins and follow-up bronchoscopies have been unremarkable. Given their rarity, endobronchial MECs can be diagnostically difficult and cause uncertainty with respect to their management. Low-grade tumours have a much more favourable prognosis than their high-grade counterparts, with surgical resection being the gold standard of care. Therefore, the index of suspicion, time to diagnosis, and definitive treatment are critical to the outcome.

Endobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a pediatric patient: A case report

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is an uncommon type of salivary gland tumor that can present as an endobronchial neoplasm, most commonly in the adult population. Neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors comprise the majority of bronchial neoplasms in the pediatric population and are nearly indistinguishable from MEC on imaging. We present a rare case of MEC in a 3-year-old presenting with recurrent symptoms of lower airway obstruction and discuss its typical associated symptoms and imaging features.

Metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma to the pleura: a case report

BACKGROUND

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm arising from the salivary glands (Ali et al. in J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 20(2): 141-2, 2008, Xi et al. in World J Surg Oncol 10: 232, 2012). When arising from anatomic sites other than the salivary glands it can be a diagnostic challenge. Primary and metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma from and to the pleura are extremely rare entities that are frequently misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma (Xi et al. in World J Surg Oncol 10: 232, 2012).

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe an unusual case of a 64-year-old Caucasian female patient with metastatic high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma to the pleura, morphologically resembling squamous cell carcinoma. Molecular studies of both the parotid gland and pleural tumors helped prove the metastatic nature of the pleural lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

 Metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma to the pleura is a rare entity, frequently misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Differentiating between a lung primary and a metastatic disease has treatment implications and prognostic significance for the patient. When morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap exists, molecular testing can help distinguish mucoepidermoid carcinoma from other neoplasms.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid lung carcinoma in pediatric confused with asthma

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is an extremely rare tumor of the respiratory system. The clinical presentation of PMEC is variable and nonspecific, including cough, hemoptysis, and wheezing, and may mimic other symptoms of pneumonia or asthma. Here, we present a case of PMEC in a 12-year-old male who was diagnosed with and treated for asthma for 2 years. The patient presented with symptoms of respiratory failure that did not respond to steroids or bronchodilator medications. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans revealed an endotracheal tumor. The patient underwent complete tumor resection, with no signs of recurrence 6 months after treatment.

Resolution of asthmatic symptoms following successful endoscopic resection of tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare tumour of the trachea accounting for up to 0.2% of reported primary lung malignancy. We report a case of a 54-year-old man, ex-smoker, whose presentation mimicked adult onset asthma with cough and wheezing, which did not respond to conventional treatment. He had occasional haemoptysis and weight loss in which CT scan performed for malignancy screening showed a protruding mass in the distal trachea causing endobronchial obstruction. Bronchoscopic intervention was performed to relieve the obstruction that resulted in resolution of asthmatic symptoms. Histological diagnosis confirmed MEC. This case emphasised the importance of a high index of suspicion in an unusual presentation of a common disease and the pivotal role of bronchoscopic intervention in malignant central airway obstruction.

Pulmonary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma and Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: A Coincidence of 2 Rare Tumors in an 8-Year-Old Boy

Primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is extremely rare in children and is characterized by a mucus-secreting and squamous cell combination. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare tumor of the pancreas, which is mostly seen in young women. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy previously diagnosed and treated by lung lobectomy for MEC. He was admitted to our hospital with an incidentally recognized mass at the pancreas during postoperative workout studies. Distal pancreatectomy was performed. Surgery was curative for both tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pseudopapillary neoplasm concomitant with MEC in the literature.