Segmental Lymph Node Metastasis of Gum Cancer Diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA

Abstract

Background. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) allows us to less-invasively diagnose mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes, while more peripheral lymph nodes are typically considered difficult to approach using EBUS-TBNA. We report a case where segmental lymph node metastasis of gum cancer was diagnosed using EBUS-TBNA. Case. A 69-year-old man, who had received subtotal mandibulectomy for the treatment of gum cancer, presented with a moderately swollen segmental lymph node of the right lower lobe of the lung. We performed EBUS-TBNA for the biopsy. Bronchofiberscopy was accurately inserted in the segmental bronchus and specimens were safely obtained. Histopathological examination revealed gum cancer metastasis. Conclusion. This case suggests that EBUS-TBNA is an effective and minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis of segmental lymph nodes.