[Clinical study of lung mucoepidermoid tumors].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical and pathological characteristics of lung mucoepidermoid tumors and summarize methods for diagnosing and treating it.

METHODS

Records of a total of 2,751 consecutive patients with lung cancer were reviewed and 10 of whom with mucoepidermoid tumors were identified. Chest radiographs, computer tomographs, and bronchoscopes were performed to all of them. Eight of them underwent thoracotomy and some also received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. One patient received Chinese herb therapy only while another did not receive any therapy.

RESULTS

Pathological examination showed that the 10 patients had low-grade mucoepidermoid tumors. All patients were alive. Seven patients who received thoracotomy did not recur. One patient whose tumor was located in trachea recurred 5.2 years after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Bronchoscope can play an important role in the process of diagnosis. Pathological staging is vital for prognosis. Lung mucoepidermoid tumors should be treated with complete surgical resection with lymph node sampling and dissection and close follow-up.