Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the trachea-a rare entity case report

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Nasal Cavity at an Unusual Age: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) was recognised as a distinct pathologic entity in World Health Organisation classification. It is an extremely rare low grade carcinoma of salivary gland, with characteristic biphasic tubular structures. It predominantly occurs in Parotid gland but can also be seen in nasopharynx, lacrimal gland, paranasal sinuses, larynx, lung. Nasal EMC (excluding the paranasal sinuses as primary tumour site) are very rare with only 13 cases reported till date. In this case report, we described a case of nasal EMC extending into nasopharynx, its clinical features and management. We have also done a literature review of all the relevant cases of nasal EMC.

Material and Methods

We searched the PubMed database for articles between January 1950 and December 2022 for nasal EMC for this review.

Results

We found 13 relevant case reports of nasal EMC and median age was 58 years with female preponderance. We found that our patient was the youngest to be reported till date. Two cases, including the current study, showed epicentre of the tumour in posterior nasal cavity, extending to choana and nasopharynx. Most common presentation was epistaxis, followed by nasal obstruction. Only 4 out of 14 cases had information on surgical margin status, out of which only one has positive surgical margin. Five patients (including the patient in the current study) received adjuvant radiotherapy; however 6 patients (42.8%) did not receive any adjuvant radiotherapy.

Pulmonary Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma

Pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (P-EMC) is an exceptionally rare subtype of salivary gland lung tumor originating from tracheobronchial glands. P-EMC is a biphasic tumor consisting of an inner layer of epithelial cells and an outer layer of spindle-shaped, clear-cell-like myoepithelial cells. Bronchial obstruction symptom is the main clinical characteristic for P-EMC. Because its clinical and imaging characteristics are highly similar to other types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is easy to cause missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. The diagnosis is mainly based on the pathology and immunohistochemistry with an inner layer of epithelial cells immunoreactive for cytokeratin and an outside layer of myoepithelial cells immunoreactive for S100 protein (S-100) and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Therefore, positive for cytokeratin, S-100 and SMA can assist in the diagnosis. Although in general, P-EMC is a low-grade malignant neoplasm, it may occasionally recur and metastasize. The optimal method for P-EMC treatment has not been established, and surgical resection is still the main clinical method. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been shown not sensitive for P-EMC treatment, whereas targeted therapy and immunotherapy have not evaluated in clinical practice. This review focuses on the pathological characteristics, molecular characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of P-EMC.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx: A case report and review of the literature

Background

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa) is a rare low-grade malignant tumor that most commonly occurs in the salivary glands, with approximately 320 cases having been reported worldwide. Here, we report the third case of EMCa occurring in the nasopharynx. Rare cases in the breast, pituitary gland, lacrimal gland, nose, paranasal sinus, nasal cavity, trachea and bronchus, lung, and even the pleura mediastinalis have also been reported. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are useful for confirming the diagnosis of EMCa, which is characterized by biphasic tubular structures composed of inner ductal and outer clear myoepithelial cells and stains for different markers in each layer. However, because of the rarity of EMCa, the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of these patients remain unclear.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of EMCa of the nasopharynx. A 51-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of pain while swallowing and aggravation accompanied by right ear tinnitus lasting for 1 month. Nasopharyngoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nasopharynx and neck revealed a 5.6 cm × 3.4 cm × 3.1 cm mass in the nasopharyngeal space, invasion of the right cavernous sinus, and lymph node enlargement in the right retropharyngeal space. On 17 April 2019, based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, a final diagnosis of EMCa of the right nasopharynx was made. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and his symptoms were relieved after treatment. On 10 January 2022, nasopharynx MRI and biopsy revealed local recurrence, but chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed no obvious signs of metastasis. The local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) period was 33 months.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of EMCa in the nasopharynx and the only case of EMCa in the nasopharynx treated with CCRT, and a partial response was achieved. Therefore, to improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients with unresectable tumors, we believe that CCRT is a suitable option. Further clinical observations are required to elucidate the pathophysiology and prognosis of EMCa.

[A Rare Case of Pulmonary Epithelial-myoepithelial Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review]

背景与目的

肺上皮-肌上皮癌（pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, P-EMC）是一种十分罕见的涎腺型肺肿瘤，尚无标准治疗方案，本文拟分析肺上皮-肌上皮癌的临床特点，探讨肺上皮-肌上皮癌的诊疗方案。

方法

分析1例肺上皮-肌上皮癌患者的临床资料并回顾其他相关临床文献。

结果

上皮细胞免疫组化表达细胞角蛋白，肌上皮细胞免疫组化表达SMA及S-100，二代基因测序以HRAS基因突变为主，PD-L1蛋白为阴性。

结论

肺上皮-肌上皮癌大多预后良好，诊断以镜检及免疫组化为主，治疗以手术切除为主，放化疗效果尚不明确。

Pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA mutations: a case report

Background

Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer. Because of its rarity, the molecular information on this carcinoma is insufficient.

Case presentation

We report a case of pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA mutations in a 76-year-old woman. Computed tomography revealed a tumor located in the left lower lung. Thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor consisted of duct-like structures and polygonal and spindle cell features. The duct-like structures were composed of two distinct cell layers. The inner layer consisted of cuboidal cells that were positive for pan-cytokeratin and negative for p63, whereas the outer layer consisted of polygonal and spindle cells that were positive for p63 and weakly positive for pan-cytokeratin. We evaluated mutations in AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, HRAS, KRAS and PIK3CA but did not detect any mutations.

Conclusion

Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer, with only 56 previous cases reported in the English literature. The genetic alterations in pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma are still unknown. We examined the 6 genes mutation analysis, however no mutation was detected.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the supraclavicular region: An unusual cause of dyspnea

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is an extremely rare disease and usually develops in major salivary glands, such as the parotid gland. EMC is regarded as a low grade-malignancy tumor, and the treatment protocol involves wide surgical excision with secure clear margins although postoperative radiotherapy is generally performed to reduce local recurrence. The present study aims to report a case of EMC with a supraclavicular location due to its rare occurrence and atypical location.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the lung: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (P-EMC) is a rare subset of salivary gland-type tumors of the lung. Because of its rarity and unproven malignant potential, the optimal therapy for P-EMC has not been defined. Here, we report a typical case of P-EMC and a review of the literature to consider appropriate treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old woman presented with an abnormal lung shadow on a routine chest X-ray. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan verified an 18-mm endobronchial nodule on the middle lobe. We performed a bronchoscopic biopsy, and the patient was diagnosed with P-EMC. After confirming the absence of tumors in the salivary glands, she underwent a right middle lobectomy along with hilar and mediastinal lymph node dissections. Currently, the patient is doing well, without any sign of recurrence 3 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a majority of P-EMC cases, as in our case, behave indolently, several poor progression cases have been reported. For distinguishing the minor malignancy cases from others, histological findings such as myoepithelial anaplasia could be a predictive factor. Complete resection is needed to evaluate the whole tumor, because P-EMCs often show histological heterogeneity. Moreover, incomplete excision may be a poor prognostic factor. Although lobectomies as well as lymph node dissections, sleeve lobectomies, or pneumonectomies are routinely performed for complete resection, further investigation is required to establish the optimal treatment strategy.

Sinonasal epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: Report of a novel subsite and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare tumor of the major and minor salivary glands. Sinonasal EMC is extremely uncommon and hitherto not described within the frontal or ethmoid sinuses.

OBJECTIVE

To present a novel sinonasal subsite and review the literature regarding sinonasal EMC.

METHODS

A case of frontoethmoidal EMC was presented. A medical literature data base was queried from January 1, 1950, to August 8, 2017, for all reports of sinonasal EMC.

RESULTS

A 69-year-old man underwent combined open and endoscopic craniofacial resection of a right frontoethmoidal EMC, a previously undescribed primary location for this tumor. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed 13 additional cases of sinonasal EMC.

CONCLUSION

EMC is an uncommon neoplasm typically found in the major salivary glands; occurrence in the nose or paranasal sinuses is extremely rare. EMC often follows an indolent clinical course, although, in a minority of cases, particularly in large tumors with nuclear atypia, more aggressive behavior may be observed.

A rare case of primary peripheral epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma of lung: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Primary salivary gland-type tumors of lung are rare. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of the lung is a minor salivary gland-type tumor subtype.

METHODS

We report a very rare case of EMC located in the peripheral left lower lobe that was diagnosed in a 58-year-old man and this is the first study in which we summarize all the patients with primary peripheral lung EMC concerned with the clinical features. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

RESULTS

Chest computed tomography displayed an anomalous soft tissue mass with slightly lobular borders in the peripheral segment of the left lower lobe and closed to the visceral pleura. The surgery was performed by using video-assisted thoracic surgery. Grossly, the tumor was solitary, well-circumscribed, and unencapsulated endobronchial lesion. A microscopic examination revealed that it was circumscribed, although the tumor borders may show single cells or clusters of cells proliferating away from the main tumor mass. The inner tubular layer showed epithelial cell characteristics, whereas the outer layer exhibited myoepithelial cell characteristics. Immunostaining for P40, P63, and cytokeratin 5/6 was positive. However, the anaplastic lymphoma kinase-V, thyroid transcription factor-1, synaptophysin, chromogranin A and napsin A were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Literature review showed that most of patients with peripheral EMC were asymptomatic. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans are able to indicate the presence of peripheral EMC. Pathological analysis is an effective method to clarify the diagnosis. Surgery is a regular treatment method. To facilitate the preoperative diagnosis and avoid the misdiagnosis of such a rare disease, more cases will need to be reported.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the subglottis: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an extremely rare disease that usually occurs in the parotid gland but can occur in a variety of sites such as the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, and base of the tongue.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, which developed in the subglottic region. A 78-year-old Korean woman visited our hospital complaining of hoarseness, which had developed 1 month previously. Flexible laryngoscopy showed a round mass that blocked approximately 80 % of the tracheal diameter. Complete excision of the mass was carried out under general anesthesia, using a transoral approach. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma was diagnosed following immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma that occurred in the subglottic region. To the best of our knowledge, only one other case has been reported since this disease was first identified approximately 40 years ago.

Endobronchial laser ablation in the management of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the trachea

A 52 year old, never smoker presented to hospital with progressive shortness of breath and significant stridor over a five month period. He also described the feeling of needing to cough but being unable to expectorate. CT Thorax demonstrated a mass lesion in the trachea just distal to the larynx which was then confirmed on rigid bronchoscopy. Subsequent histology confirmed an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma.

Only a few case reports document these rare salivary gland tumours occurring in other locations such as the respiratory tract. After staging showed only local disease, the patient was managed with rigid bronchoscopy and laser ablation therapy.

We present the first documented case to be treated with endobronchial laser ablation therapy with discussion of the incidence, presentation and characteristics of these tumours including the treatment options, as well as the use of laser ablation in the management of benign and malignant endobronchial lesions.

Tracheal epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma associated with sarcoid-like reaction: A case report

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas are rare tumors that primarily originate in the salivary glands but have also been found in the tracheobronchial tree. We report the first case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma associated with sarcoidosis. A 61 year old Hispanic man presented with altered mental status and hypercalcemia. Imaging revealed diffuse intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. A diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed where an incidental tracheal nodule was discovered and biopsied. Pathology was consistent with epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Lymph node biopsy demonstrated non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Patient underwent tracheal resection of the primary tumor with primary tracheal reconstruction. Hypercalcemia subsequently normalized with clinical improvement. Repeat CT imaging demonstrated complete resolution of lymphadenopathy. Our findings are suggestive of a possible paraneoplastic sarcoid-like reaction to the epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with associated lymphadenopathy and symptomatic hypercalcemia.