Necrosis of Bronchus in Lung Cancer

Abstract

Bronchial necrosis with wall destruction and direct visualization into the cavity is seldom described in the context of lung cancer, except after radiation therapy. We describe 5 cases of cavitating lung cancer with direct communication with the airways, large enough to allow the passage of a flexible bronchoscope. We encountered all of these cases between May 2009 and January 2010. None of the patients had received radiation previously. During bronchoscopy, necrosis of the bronchus was evident with replacement of the involved lung by a large cavity lined by tumor tissue.

The potential of biology-guided radiation therapy in thoracic cancer: A preliminary treatment planning study

“…We found that BgRT and IMPT would produce similar maximum doses to 1 cc of the aorta and thus equivalent 1 cc composite doses. Additionally, a lower bronchus V 40 (11% lower in the BgRT plan than VMAT and 8% lower than in the IMPT plan) could reduce the risk of radiation-induced bronchial necrosis (20,21).…”