Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma misdiagnosed as lung squamous cell carcinoma: A case report

Background: Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC) is an uncommon subtype of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The pathological features of PPLELC closely resemble those of SCC, which makes it prone to misdiagnosis. Surgical intervention constitutes the primary treatment approach for PPLELC.

Case summary: This report describes a 44-year-old woman who was hospitalized for 1 mo due to left chest pain. Computed tomography revealed a mass shadow in the anterior basal segment of the left lower lobe, and a subsequent needle biopsy suggested SCC. The patient underwent radical tumor resection in the lower left lobe of the lung, and postoperative pathological examination indicated lymphoepithelial carcinoma, and the test for EBV encoded small RNA was positive. Following surgery, the patient was scheduled to receive four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, using the paclitaxel + carboplatin regimen, but the patient refused further treatment.

Conclusion: PPLELC is an exceptionally rare subtype of lung SCC and is prone to misdiagnosis.