What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

• Benign Myoepithelial Tumor of Lung
• Benign Myoepithelial Tumour of Lung
• Pulmonary Myoepithelioma

What is Myoepithelioma of Lung? (Definition/Background Information)

• Myoepithelial tumors of the lung are extremely rare tumors that may be benign or malignant. The malignant tumors are known as myoepithelial carcinomas of the lung
• Myoepithelioma of Lung is a benign tumor of the lung, which can occur either in the lung tissue or within the bronchial airways
• These lung tumors are mostly observed in adults. The exact cause of Myoepithelioma of Lung is unknown, and presently, no specific risk factors have been identified
• Myoepithelioma of Lung in the peripheral lung region may be asymptomatic, meaning that generally no signs and symptoms may be noted. The tumors affecting the bronchus/airways may present cough, chest pain, and associated breathing difficulties
• Treatment involving the surgical removal of the tumor may be undertaken by the healthcare provider. A complete removal of the tumor can result in a cure. The prognosis of Pulmonary Myoepithelioma is typically excellent, since it is a benign tumor

Who gets Myoepithelioma of Lung? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Myoepithelioma of Lung is a very rare tumor; less than 15 cases of both benign and malignant myoepithelial tumors have been recorded
• Most of the cases are observed in adults
• A very high preference for females is noted, though both males and females are affected
• There is no racial or ethnic group predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Myoepithelioma of Lung? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for the formation of Myoepithelioma of Lung

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Myoepithelioma of Lung? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Myoepithelioma of Lung is generally unknown.

• It may be caused by certain genetic abnormalities; rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene has been observed in these tumors
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Myoepithelioma of Lung?

Myoepithelioma of Lung can arise in the following lung parts:

• Within the bronchial airways, as an endobronchial mass in the central region of the lungs
• In the peripheral lung region, as a nodule

Small-sized Pulmonary Myoepithelioma tumors (including those in the lung periphery) may present no clinical indications and remain asymptomatic. The following features may be observed in other cases:

• The tumors are well-circumscribed and range in size from 1.5-13 cm
• Tumors arising in the airways can cause obstructive symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough

How is Myoepithelioma of Lung Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to detect and diagnose Myoepithelioma of Lung. These may include:

• Physical examination and complete medical history screening: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may listen to the chest using a stethoscope, to look for the presence of any abnormal lung sounds
• Imaging studies that may include a chest X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan of the lungs
• Arterial blood gases
• Lung function test (pulmonary function test)
• Sputum cytology: This procedure involves the collection of mucus (sputum), coughed-up by a patient, which is then examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. Even though this procedure may be performed, no tumor cells are generally noted

A tissue biopsy refers to a medical procedure that involves the removal of cells or tissues, which are then examined by a pathologist. This can help establish a definitive diagnosis. The different biopsy procedures may include:

• Bronchoscopy: During bronchoscopy, a special medical instrument called a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose and into the lungs to collect small tissue samples. These samples are then examined by a pathologist, after the tissues are processed, in an anatomic pathology laboratory
• Thoracoscopy: During thoracoscopy, a surgical scalpel is used to make very tiny incisions into the chest wall. A medical instrument called a thoracoscope is then inserted into the chest, in order to examine and remove tissue from the chest wall, which are then examined further
• Thoracotomy: Thoracotomy is a surgical invasive procedure with special medical instruments to open-up the chest. This allows a physician to remove tissue from the chest wall or the surrounding lymph nodes of the lungs. A pathologist will then examine these samples under a microscope after processing the tissue in a laboratory
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): During fine needle aspiration biopsy, a device called a cannula is used to extract tissue or fluid from the lungs, or surrounding lymph nodes. These are then examined in an anatomic pathology laboratory, in order to determine any signs of abnormality
• Autofluorescence bronchoscopy: It is a bronchoscopic procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose and into the lungs and measure light from abnormal precancerous tissue. Samples are collected for further examination by a pathologist

Tissue biopsy from the affected lung:

• A biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, flow cytometric analysis and very rarely, electron microscopic studies, to assist in the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Myoepithelioma of Lung?

There are no significant complications associated with Myoepithelioma of Lung in a majority of individuals, since it is a benign tumor. However, in some cases, the following may be observed:

• Severe obstruction of the airways, in case of a large-sized tumor
• Large tumors can compress the heart and impede its function
• Some tumors may cause severe chest pain
• Emotional stress in the individual, since the tumor may resemble lung cancer

How is Myoepithelioma of Lung Treated?

The treatment of Myoepithelioma of Lung may involve the following:

• The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision, which can result in a cure
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Myoepithelioma of Lung be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Myoepithelioma of Lung
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, for those who have already endured the tumor are helpful

What is the Prognosis of Myoepithelioma of Lung? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Myoepithelioma of Lung is generally excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Myoepithelioma of Lung:

The following article link will help you understand other lung conditions:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/healthy-lungs/