Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Lung: An Unusual Case and Literature Review

Abstract

We described a case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the lung of a 65-year-old man with initial symptoms of intermittent chest pain and mild shortness of breath for 2 weeks. A right-lung mass was noted on chest computed tomography (CT) scan and was proved histopathologically as LELC of lung after video-assisted thorascopic lobectomy. He was successfully treated with lobectomy with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and is alive without signs of recurrence for 36 months after the diagnosis. It is important for clinicians, pathologists, and radiologists to understand the clinical, pathological, and radiological presentations of this neoplasm to avoid improper clinical decision making and misdiagnosis.

Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung in an adolescent girl with unusual presentations

“…However, some cases with bilateral extensive disease at the time of presentation have also been described. 4,11 Pulmonary LELC is described as a subtype of large cell carcinoma of lungs according to the WHO histological typing of lung and pleural tumours. 12 Histological appearance of the tumour simulates undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma which is characterized by asyncytial appearance, focal squamous differentiation with prominent lymphocytic infiltration.…”

“…4,5,11 The overall survival of patients with LELC type of carcinoma is better than non-LELC type of carcinoma. Tumour recurrence and necrosis is recognised as poor prognostic factors.…”

Lung Cancer in Pregnancy: An Unusual Case of Complete Response to Chemotherapy

“…Tumors typically consist of solid nests of undifferentiated tumor cells in a syncytial arrangement surrounded by heavy lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (Figure 3 ). Staining for cytokeratins and P63 is typically positive [ 6 - 7 ]. Also, while EBV is commonly associated with primary LELC of the lung in Asian patients, it does not appear to be as strongly associated in Western patients, as tumor cells in all 6 patients included in a 2001 review stained negative for EBV [ 8 ].…”

“…Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the lung is a distinct histologic entity that resembles nasopharyngeal carcinoma. First reported in 1987, it is classified as a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), more specifically a variant of large cell carcinoma [ 5 , 7 ]. Most cases have been reported in Asian non-smokers and are closely associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection, although this association is variable.…”

Primary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Lung

“…It has also been described in organs originating from the foregut including oral cavity, salivary glands, lungs, stomach and thymus. [3] It has better prognosis compared to other malignant lung tumors. [4] Ebstain-Barr virus infection is thought to have a key role in tumor genesis.…”