Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review. (4th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alsidawi, S.; Morris, J. C.; Wikenheiser-Brokamp, K. A.; Starnes, S. L.; Karim, N. A.
• Other Names: Aogi K. Academic Editor.; Mauri F. A. Academic Editor.; Tanaka K. Academic Editor.; Terry P. D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in oncological medicine. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-11-04
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/625243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6706

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is a rare form of lung cancer that is classified into low grade and high grade based on histological features. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for low-grade MEC with excellent outcomes, while high-grade MEC is a more aggressive form of malignancy. Clinical Case . We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Imaging studies revealed a mass involving the right upper lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy, surgical resection, and pathological examination revealed a low-grade MEC with tumor-free margins. No adjuvant treatment was given. Discussion . Primary pulmonary MEC is a rare type of lung cancer with only few reported cases. This patient illustrates a typical presentation for low-grade MEC wherein surgical resection is considered curative. In contrast, high-grade MEC is a more aggressive malignancy with a poorer outcome. The role of targeted therapy directed against EGFR or a novel CRTC1-MAML2 fusion protein expressed in some high-grade tumors is yet to be determined.