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Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bronchus in two children: Case reports
Seyram M Wordui1, Aruna Lakhan1, Joy Eze1
1Division of Pulmonology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital: University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Childhood bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is rare and often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms. Early diagnosis of these rare lung tumors in children is crucial for effective, lung-sparing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Childhood mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the bronchus is an exceptionally rare pulmonary neoplasm.
- Non-specific presenting symptoms in children often lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of bronchial MEC are presented from a tertiary children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Case 1: An 11-year-old male with recurrent hemoptysis.
- Case 2: A 6-year-old female with recurrent unifocal pneumonia.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via chest CT scan and bronchoscopy with biopsy in both pediatric patients.
- Both children received treatment, including surgical intervention, and have demonstrated positive outcomes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering endobronchial lesions in the differential diagnosis of pediatric recurrent respiratory symptoms.
- Emphasizes that prompt diagnosis of bronchial MEC in children facilitates lung-sparing therapeutic strategies.
- Underscores the need for increased awareness of rare pediatric lung cancers for timely intervention.
Abstract:
Childhood mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the bronchus are rare. They present with non-specific symptoms and signs making diagnosis delayed. We present two children with bronchial MEC managed in a tertiary children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The first was a 11-year male with recurrent haemoptysis and the second child was a 6-year female with recurrent unifocal pneumonia. Chest CT scan and bronchoscopy with biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Both patients underwent treatment, including surgery and are doing well. It is important to exclude endobronchial lesions when children present with recurrent respiratory symptoms, since early diagnosis will enable lung-sparing treatment.
