CD56+ lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a non-keratinizing carcinoma with rich lymphocytic infiltration, which primarily originates from the nasopharynx. Primary lung LELC is a type of lung cancer with a relatively low incidence. Herein, we report a rare case of lung LELC with expression of CD56. We also performed a literature review to summarize the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic features of this disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old man was admitted to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College due to cough and chest pain lasting > 2 mo and 1 wk, respectively. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations revealed the presence of a mass in the right upper lobe with enlargement of lymph nodes and multiple bone metastases. According to the results of bronchoscopy and cervical lymph node biopsy, a diagnosis of lung LELC with CD56-positive staining (CD56(+) lung LELC) was made. In the literature, 458 cases of lung LELC have been reported. However, only one other case of CD56(+) lung LELC has been reported thus far. CONCLUSION: The mechanism and potential role of CD56 expression in CD56(+) lung LELC require further investigation.