Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare type of cancer that primarily occurs in the nasopharynx, but can also be found in other parts of the body. It is characterized by the presence of epithelial cells that resemble those seen in lymphoepithelioma, a type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Epidemiology

LELC is a rare type of cancer. It is more common in certain populations, such as those of Asian descent. The exact incidence of LELC is not known, but it is estimated to account for less than 1% of all cancers.

Pathogenesis

The exact cause of LELC is not known. However, it is thought to be associated with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a type of herpesvirus that is known to cause several types of cancer, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Clinical Features

Patients with LELC may present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bleeding. In some cases, the tumor may be discovered incidentally during a routine medical examination.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of LELC is typically made based on the results of a biopsy. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to look for the characteristic appearance of LELC cells.

Treatment

The treatment of LELC depends on the location and stage of the tumor. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with LELC varies depending on the location and stage of the tumor. However, in general, the prognosis is considered to be good, especially if the tumor is detected and treated early.

See Also

• Cancer
• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• Epstein-Barr virus

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