Central Airway Pulmonary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Treated by Sleeve Lobectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is a rare malignant epithelial tumour that poses distinct diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 44-year-old premenopausal woman presented with a one-year history of dry cough and intermittent haemoptysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax revealed a centrally located endobronchial lesion in the left main bronchus. The patient underwent a parenchyma-sparing left sleeve resection with left upper lobectomy. Histopathology confirmed an intermediate-grade pulmonary MEC with a biphasic population of mucinous and intermediate cells and a low Ki-67 index. The patient had an uneventful recovery and remains disease-free at 18 months. Pulmonary MEC is a rare salivary gland-type lung tumour that should be considered in centrally located endobronchial lesions, particularly in non-smokers. Histopathological grading is crucial for prognosis. This case highlights the effectiveness of sleeve lobectomy in achieving complete resection while preserving pulmonary function. Complete surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment, and long-term follow-up is essential because late recurrence may occur.