Primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: an analysis of 21 cases

• Main Authors: Xi Jun-jie, Jiang Wei, Lu Shao-hua, Zhang Chun-yan, Fan Hong, Wang Qun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-11-01
• Series: World Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Subjects: Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma; Treatment; Prognosis
• Online Access: http://www.wjso.com/content/10/1/232

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The optimal treatment for pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), a rare type of tumor, has not been established yet. This study analyzed the survival of pulmonary MEC patients and attempted to find clues for optimal treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 21 patients with pulmonary MEC from November 2004 to January 2011 were included in the investigation. Immunohistochemistry, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, and survival were retrospectively studied.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the 21 pulmonary MEC patients, 17 were diagnosed with low-grade malignancy and 4 with high-grade malignancy through pathological examination. The prognosis was found to be poor in the presence of lymph nodes. The expression rates of EGFR and HER2 were 28.6% and 0%, respectively, which correlated with neither grade nor prognosis. The mutation rate of EGFR was 0. Log-rank test results indicated that age, grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor-node-metastasis stage were prognostic factors.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Age, grade, lymph node metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis stage correlate with the survival of pulmonary MEC patients.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>This study was approved and registered by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to treatment.</p>