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.