What exactly is Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC)?

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare form of cancer, typically found in the salivary glands, characterized by a unique dual structure. It's composed of Epithelial cells, forming duct-like structures, and Myoepithelial cells, which support the gland's structure. In the lung, EMC is exceedingly rare and originates from the bronchial glands.

Why is the discovery of a cavity-forming Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) significant?

The presentation of a cavity-forming epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is exceptionally rare. Cavitation, the formation of hollow spaces within a tumor, is not uncommon in lung cancers. However, the combination of EMC and a cavitary lesion is what makes this case particularly unusual and significant. This rarity underscores the importance of considering diverse presentations in cancer diagnosis.

What are the implications of this rare form of lung cancer?

In the context of this case, understanding the implications is key. The rare occurrence of Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) in the lung, particularly when presenting with cavitation, expands the current knowledge of lung cancer's diverse manifestations. Each new case provides valuable insights into its behavior and optimal treatment strategies. This knowledge can contribute to better diagnostic approaches.

What is the potential reason behind cavity formation in this case?

The case suggests that pre-existing cystic lesions may be linked to the formation of cavities in the case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC). However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Further research is vital to fully comprehend the development and behavior of lung EMC. This research could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches for this rare cancer.

How can a deeper understanding of Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) improve patient care?

A better understanding of Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches. This includes the potential for earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The development of targeted therapies could improve patient outcomes. Further research into the underlying causes of EMC, particularly the mechanisms of cavity formation, can significantly improve patient care.

Digital illustration of a lung with a cavity, representing rare lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Mystery: A Rare Case of Cavity-Forming Carcinoma

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Doctors report an unusual case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) in the lung, presenting as a cavitary lesion."

Lung cancer often presents in varied and complex ways, making diagnosis a continuous challenge for medical professionals. While many types of lung cancers are well-documented, rare forms occasionally emerge, defying typical expectations and requiring novel approaches to treatment. Among these rarities is epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), a type of cancer predominantly found in the salivary glands.

However, in extremely rare instances, EMC can originate in the lung's bronchial glands. Adding another layer of complexity, lung cancers sometimes develop cavities—hollow spaces within the tumor. Though cavitation is not uncommon in lung cancer, the combination of EMC with a cavitary lesion is exceptionally rare. In fact, medical literature has, until recently, lacked documented cases of this unusual presentation.

A recent case study published in Molecular and Clinical Oncology sheds light on this phenomenon, detailing the diagnosis and treatment of a 72-year-old man with cavity-forming pulmonary EMC. This report not only expands our understanding of lung cancer's diverse manifestations but also highlights the importance of considering rare possibilities in diagnosis.

What is Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma (EMC)?

Digital illustration of a lung with a cavity, representing rare lung cancer.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare type of cancer that typically starts in the salivary glands. These glands, located in the mouth and throat, produce saliva to keep the mouth moist and aid in digestion. EMC is characterized by its unique biphasic structure, meaning it has two distinct types of cells:

This dual composition is a key characteristic that helps pathologists identify EMC under a microscope. While EMC is more commonly found in the salivary glands, it can, in rare instances, occur in other parts of the body, such as the respiratory tract.

Epithelial cells: These cells form the inner layer of the tumor and often appear as duct-like structures.
Myoepithelial cells: These cells surround the epithelial cells and have a clear appearance. They play a role in supporting the structure of the glands.

When EMC occurs in the lung, it originates from the bronchial glands, which are similar to salivary glands but located in the airways of the lungs. Lung EMC is exceedingly rare, accounting for only a tiny fraction of all primary lung cancers. Due to its rarity, each new case provides valuable insights into its behavior and optimal treatment strategies.

Implications and Future Directions

This rare case of cavity-forming pulmonary EMC underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations of lung cancer. While the mechanism behind cavity formation in this specific case remains unclear, the report suggests that it may be linked to pre-existing cystic lesions in the lung. Further research is needed to fully understand the development and behavior of lung EMC, which could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches for this rare cancer.