Brain metastases of the mucoepidermoid lung carcinoma: a case report

Scientific paper - Case study

• Author: Damir Tomac
• Author: Ivan Konstantinović
• Author: Čedna Tomasović-Lončarić
• Author: Jurica Maraković
• Author: Anđelo Kaštelančić
• Author: Darko Orešković
• Author: Dominik Romić
• Author: Petar Marčinković
• Author: Marina Raguž
• Author: Darko Chudy
• Author: Tonko Marinović
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Surgery)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences; Surgery

Abstract (english)

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a salivary gland tumor, rarely occurs in bronchial mucous glands. Brain metastases are rarely seen which makes for a challenging diagnosis and treatment approach. A 40-year-old woman presented with confusion, and ataxia, accompanied by a declining Glasgow Coma Score. Brain computerized tomography revealed two hyperdense, postcontrast-enhanced infra- and supratentorial lesions with perifocal edema. First causing obstructive hydrocephalus. The initial surgery involved external ventricular drainage system placement leading to the patient’s clinical improvement. After radiological diagnostics, both lesions were resected without complications. Histopathological analysis revealed solid clusters of atypical, polygonal epithelial cells exhibiting mucin production, classified as a poorly differentiated mucoepidermoid carcinoma metastasis which originated from the upper lobe’s apicoposterior segment and left lung. The correct treatment approach remains elusive due to the infrequent occurrence and challenging diagnosis. While new oncological and radiosurgery options promise improved overall survival rates, radical resection remains the preferred initial option.

• Keywords (english): brain; carcinoma; lung; metastases; mucoepidermoid; tumor
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Case study
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Journal of Surgical Case Reports
• Numbering: vol. 2024, no. 6, rjae413
• e-ISSN: 2042-8812
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjae413
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:511588
• Publication: 2024-06-19
• Document URL: https://academic.oup.com/jscr/article/doi/10.1093/jscr/rjae413/7695979
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2025-01-22 14:02:25