CRYO-BRONCHOSCOPY BREAKTHROUGH: A RARE BRONCHIAL MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA SUCCESS REPORT

Background:Bronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) is an extremely rare malignancy, accounting for only 0.1-0.2% of primary lung cancers and <1% of primary bronchial tumors. It often presents with airway obstruction symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and wheezing, mimicking common respiratory conditions like pneumonia. Due to its rarity, optimal management strategies remain unclear.

Case presentation: We report a rare case of a 32-year-old male with bronchial MEC who presented with chronic cough, weight loss, and exertional breathlessness for two months. Imaging revealed an endobronchial lesion obstructing the right mainstem bronchus. Bronchoscopy with cryo-biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of MEC through histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Given the tumours localized nature (pT1N0M0), a minimally invasive approach was pursued. The patient underwent successful cryo-bronchoscopy, achieving complete airway recanalization without requiring traditional surgical interventions such as sleeve lobectomy. A three-month follow-up bronchoscopy showed no recurrence, with the patient remaining symptom-free.

Conclusion:This case highlights the potential of cryo-bronchoscopy as an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for early-stage bronchial MEC, potentially avoiding the need for major surgery. Given the rarity of this condition, further studies are needed to establish optimal diagnostic and treatment protocols.