Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the duodenum: a very infrequent tumor

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a type of tumor that is histologically characterized by wide lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the stroma. This type of carcinoma is usually found in the airway and is extremely infrequent in the gastrointestinal tract. We present the case of a 77-year-old male, under follow-up for refractory anemia, who was diagnosed with a cavum type lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma in the third duodenal portion. After diagnosis, he was treated surgically via a duodenal resection, without adjuvant oncological treatment due to the early diagnosis and surgical pathology features. Today, 12 months after surgery, the patient is free of disease. Cases of LELC have been described in other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. However, after an extensive review of the literature, this is the first case of LELC in the duodenum. A review of the available literature about LELC in the digestive tract and its management was also included.