Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland; a clinicopathological report of three cases.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma is a relatively uncommon malignant tumor of the salivary gland demonstrating malignant epithelial cells with dense lymphoid stroma. The authors report three cases of lymphoepithelial carcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus of the right parotid gland with clinically presenting as painless, gradual enlargement of the preauricular mass. The histopathologic examination of the parotid gland is characterized by malignant epithelial cells with dense lymphoid stroma. Immunohistochemical stains show positive reactivity to cytokeratin and p53 in malignant epithelial cells. In situ hybridization of the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded Ribonucleic acid shows positivity in malignant epithelial cells. Clinical and pathologic features with relevant literatures are discussed. These are the first reported cases of primary parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung presenting as a cavitary lesion.

The authors describe a 62-year-old female patient who presented with a progressively enlarging cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe of the lung. Acid-fast bacilli were recovered from a bronchial washing fluid and identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She received antituberculous therapy for 5 months without improvement in her clinical symptoms and chest radiograph. A lobectomy was performed and pathological review demonstrated a high-grade mucoepidermoid lung carcinoma with extensive central necrosis. Staging revealed metastases in her left adrenal gland, kidney and spine. High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung may present as a cavitary lesion. The presence of M. tuberculosis should not preclude clinicians from pursuing adequate diagnostic procedures for a possible malignant lesion.