Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung

Am J Surg Pathol. 1989 Aug;13(8):632-9. doi: 10.1097/00000478-198908000-00002.

Abstract

Originally described in the nasopharynx, lymphoepitheliomas are undifferentiated carcinomas with prominent lymphoid infiltration. Recently this tumor has been described in a number of other sites. An association with prior infection by the Epstein-Barr virus has been recognized in cases from the nasopharynx. We report four cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma arising in the lung. Epstein-Barr virus serology indicated prior infection in two cases, one of which was also found by in situ hybridization to have the virus genome. Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary lung tumors, particularly when an extensive infiltrate by lymphoid tissue is present and may even suggest lymphoma.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / microbiology
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Genes, Viral
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization

Substances

  • DNA, Viral