Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Right Bronchus in a Six‐Year‐Old Girl: A Rare Pediatric Case Report

Primary lung neoplasms in children are uncommon, with a significant majority being metastatic. Among primary lung tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represents a rare entity, accounting for 0.1%-0.2% of cases. We present the case of a six-year-old girl who initially presented with right-sided pneumonia and pleural effusion. Despite initial antibiotic therapy, she exhibited persistent respiratory symptoms, leading to further investigation. Chest CT revealed a spherical mass obstructing the right main bronchus, confirmed via bronchoscopy as a yellowish-white formation. The pathological analysis indicated MEC. Surgical intervention involved a right thoracotomy with resection of the intermediate bronchus and inferior lobectomy. The patient recovered well postoperatively, with no tumor recurrence in follow-up examinations. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for MEC in children with recurrent respiratory symptoms localized to the same lung region. Thorough diagnostic evaluation, including bronchoscopy, is crucial for appropriate management, as surgical resection remains the primary treatment modality and can result in excellent outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to improving prognosis in pediatric patients with lung neoplasms.