Primary Tracheobronchial Low-Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Report of a Rare Case

Primary tracheobronchial tumors are rare entities, with low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) representing an uncommon subtype that mimics common airway diseases such as asthma or tuberculosis. Early diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific clinical and radiological features. We report the case of a 19-year-old female with exertional dyspnea, recurrent nocturnal gasping, and chronic cough who was previously misdiagnosed and treated as pulmonary tuberculosis. Radiological and bronchoscopic evaluation revealed a tracheobronchial endoluminal mass, and histopathological examination confirmed low-grade MEC of salivary gland origin. The patient underwent successful endotracheal debulking through rigid bronchoscopy. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for primary airway neoplasms in young patients with chronic or refractory respiratory symptoms.