Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine

Benign Endobronchial Neoplasms: A Review

Abstract

Abhishek Agarwal, Abhinav Agrawal, Sayee Sundar Alagusundarmoorthy and Nikhil Meena

Benign endobronchial neoplasms are rare tumors of the tracheobronchial airways. These neoplasms are mostly slow growing and usual presentation is related to bronchial obstruction. Most patients present with symptoms such as, wheezing, cough, chest discomfort, hemoptysis or recurrent pneumonias. Radiographic findings may demonstrate, endobronchial lesions, atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis and in some instances even mediastinal shift. Imaging modalities are often non-specific. These lesions can lead to complications stemming from obstruction or asphyxiation, massive hemoptysis; requiring urgent surgical management. It is imperative to recognize their presence in a timely manner so that the appropriate intervention may be instituted. The reemergence of rigid bronchoscopy has bolstered the armamentarium of pulmonologists in diagnosis and management of such lesions. We review the clinical characteristics, diagnostic modalities and latest advancement in treatments and outcomes of benign endobronchial tumors.