Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung is exceedingly rare. Our case involves a 58-year-old male who presented with shortness of breath, dysphagia, and weight loss. He denied ever smoking. Chest x-ray revealed trapped lung, and CT demonstrated a right bronchial mass. Diagnosis of lung carcinoma was made by bronchoscopic FNA biopsy. EGFR mutation was negative. Staging workup demonstrated evidence of advanced disease. Performance status was good, and it was decided to start chemotherapy and radiation for palliation. Lung carcinomas often present as an obstructing hilar mass. There are different histological grades that affect progression and survival. Though uncommon, metastatic spread has been previously reported. Studies have investigated the possible role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in both EGFR-mutated and non-mutated cases. Unfortunately, there has been little consensus as to which therapies are most beneficial.
Keywords: cancer; carcinoma; lung; mucoepidermoid; rare.
© 2015 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.