Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the lung. A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Primary lung tumors mimicking the salivary gland-type neoplasms are extremely rare. These types of tumors originate from submucosal bronchial glands. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an uncommon tumor in this group, and only 7 cases have been reported. It is considered to be a low-grade malignant neoplasm. We report a case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of bronchial gland origin in a 73-year-old man who presented with coughing and dyspnea. The bronchus of the left lower lobe contained a tumor mass that had a polypoid growth pattern. The tumor also extended into the pulmonary parenchyma, forming a well-circumscribed mass with a pushing margin. The tumor consisted of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. The epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen, while the myoepithelial cells were positive for S100 protein and muscle-specific actin. According to these findings, we diagnosed epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. After undergoing pneumonectomy, the patient has been disease free for 34 months.