An endobronchial lipoma mimicking asthma and malignancy

Abstract

Endobronchial lipomas are rare benign tumours of the lung. Bronchial occlusion may lead to a misdiagnosis of asthma or malignancy. We describe a 52-year-old man treated for asthma for several years, who presented with non-resolving right upper lobe pneumonia. Bronchoscopy proved to be diagnostic and therapeutic. Clinical characteristics of this unique entity are discussed.

Endobronchial lipoma, an extremely rare benign tumour of the lung, mimicking asthma bronchiale

“…[1][2][3] The majority are located in the first three subdivisions of the tracheobronchial tree with a preference of the right lung 1,2 and transbronchial extension is rare. 2 They are more seen in men in the fifth or sixth decade of life, especially in those with obesity and smoking.…”

“…The most prominent complaint is cough, occurring in 86% of cases. 1 Other symptoms include dyspnea, chest pain, wheeze, recurrent fever, and pneumonia. Consequently, these low-grade respiratory symptoms can easily lead to a misdiagnosis of asthma or COPD.…”

“…Haemoptysis is uncommon due to the avascular nature of these tumour, but it can occasionally occur as a result of post-obstructive infection. [1][2][3] Sometimes they remain asymptomatic and detected through abnormal conventional radiographs or at autopsy. 2 Macroscopically, lipomas appear as a pedunculated or sessile yellow-grey polypoid lesion with a smooth surface.…”

Endobronchial lipoma

“…En ocasiones pueden simular asma o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) lo que puede retrasar el diagnóstico años o bien simular neoplasias pulmonares malignas [3][4][5][6][7] . En algunas series se describen hasta un 25% de pacientes asintomáticos 1 .…”

An Endotracheal Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma Mimicking Asthma

“…Benign endobronchial tumors are characterized by a slow growth rate and generally present with a dry cough and wheezing. Intermittent, low-grade respiratory symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as asthma [6]. Thus, diagnosis of conditions other than bronchial asthma should be considered when the initial evaluation suggests their presence or when the patient does not respond to conventional asthma medications [7].…”