High-frequency electric snare resection combined with cryoablation for tracheal myoepithelioma: a case report

Background Myoepitheliomas are rare, benign tumors that originate from myoepithelial cells. They represent a small proportion of all pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors (PSGTs).These tumors are extremely rare in the respiratory tract. Despite their benign nature, endotracheal myoepitheliomas frequently require interventions due to complications, including airway obstruction. Although surgical resection is the standard treatment for these benign tumors, some patients are unsuitable for surgery due to various factors. Bronchoscopic intervention has been used to restore pulmonary ventilation and temporarily relieve dyspnea in patients with central airway stenosis. Our findings suggest that this therapy can also provide effective and stable outcomes for this type of benign airway tumor. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the merits of minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and high accuracy, which are not possessed by traditional surgical operations. Case presentation We report the case of an 84-year-old male patient who initially presented with mild cough and hemoptysis. Two months later, the patient gradually developed severe dyspnea. The blood gas analysis indicated type I respiratory failure. Chest CT (CT) scans revealed a high density shadow in the left main bronchus, accompanied by complete atelectasis of the left lung and left-sided pleural effusion. Bronchoscopy confirmed complete obstruction of the left main bronchus due to a mass. The patient’s condition was critical and life-threatening.Given the patient’s poor cardiopulmonary function and comprehensive risk-benefit analysis, high-frequency electric snare resection combined with cryoablation was urgently performed to excise the mass and mitigate the risk of fatal respiratory failure. The patient’s dyspnea improved significantly after the interventions. A biopsy of the mass was performed, and the final pathological diagnosis was confirmed as endotracheal myoepithelioma. The patient achieved a favorable recovery following postoperative treatment. The subsequent follow-up demonstrated a satisfactory and stable outcome. Conclusions This case presents an effective treatment option for patients who are not eligible for surgery for various reasons. A comprehensive review of the literature on tracheal myoepithelioma was undertaken to deepen our understand ing of the disease and optimize personalized treatment strategies in view of the encouraging outcome of this case.