Bronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is relatively common in adults but rare in children. Originating from the submucosal glands of the tracheobronchial tree, these tumors manifest with cough, hemoptysis, recurring fever, and pneumonia. Herein, we report a case of a nine-year-old girl who presented to our department with a persistent cough and pneumonia. Upon failure of the initial empirical treatment, computed tomography (CT) showed an endobronchial mass originating from the left main bronchus. Bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of a multifocal, inconsistent mass with smooth borders blocking the left main bronchus near the carina. Histopathological biopsy revealed a low-grade MEC. The patient underwent resection of the left main bronchus with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative treatment for pneumonia was provided, and she was discharged from the hospital with recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the patient was lost to follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first documented pediatric bronchial MEC in the Southeast Asian population. It highlights the diagnostic challenges and underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention.