endobronchial lipoma

Endobronchial Lipoma: A Rare Benign Lung Tumor

An endobronchial lipoma is a rare benign lung tumor that can cause bronchial obstruction and parenchymal damage. It is a type of lipoma, which is a fatty tissue growth, located within the bronchus.

Characteristics

• Rare occurrence: Endobronchial lipomas account for only 0.1%

Common symptoms of endobronchial lipoma include:

• A persistent cough [1, 6]
• Chest pain [1, 3]
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath) [1, 3, 5]
• Recurrent fever [1, 4]
• Pneumonia [1, 7]
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is uncommon but can occur in some cases [1, 6]

Other symptoms may include:

• Productive cough [7]
• Wheezing [7]
• Obstruction [7]
• Recurrent pneumonias and bronchiectasis [7]

It's worth noting that patients may be asymptomatic, especially if the tumor is small or not causing significant obstruction.

Endobronchial lipomas are rare benign lung tumors that can cause bronchial obstruction and parenchymal damage. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in identifying these tumors.

Imaging Studies

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are highly specific and sensitive for detecting fat within the lesion, which convincingly narrows down the diagnosis to endobronchial lipoma [2][4]. CT examination can guide the differential diagnosis by demonstrating homogeneous fat attenuation [6].

Biopsy

A biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma. Histological examination reveals a tumor consisting of mature adipose cells mixed with acinar, ductal, basal, and myoepithelial cells [8]. A bronchoscopic biopsy or pathology of the resected specimen can also provide a correct diagnosis [5].

Other Diagnostic Tools

Chest X-rays may reveal an abnormal infiltration shadow in the right lower lung field, which can guide further investigation with CT scans [7]. Clinical examination and bronchoscopy can also aid in the diagnosis.

In summary, diagnostic tests for endobronchial lipoma include:

• Imaging studies (CT scans) to detect fat within the lesion
• Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis through histological examination
• Chest X-rays to guide further investigation
• Bronchoscopy and clinical examination to aid in the diagnosis

References: [1] L Anbazhakan · 2022 · Cited by 1 — Diagnosis is made by imaging studies, mainly computed tomography scan (CT scan), and then confirmed by a biopsy. [2] D Cao · 2011 · Cited by 22 — CT examination is highly specific and sensitive for the detection of fat, and identification for adipose density within the lesion convincingly narrows the ... [3] K Harris · 2014 · Cited by 8 — The diagnosis can be suggested with fat attenuation on chest CT and lack of enhancement after contrast administration [Rodriguez et al. 1994]. Endobronchial ... [4] D Cao · Cited by 22 — CT examination is highly specific and sensitive for the detection of fat, and identification for adipose density within the lesion convincingly ... [5] EM Griffeth · 2021 · Cited by 7 — Correct diagnosis is often made with computed tomography (CT) and confirmed with bronchoscopic biopsy and/or pathology of the resected specimen. Reviews by ... [6] C Pollefliet · 2009 · Cited by 34 — Demonstration of homogeneous fat attenuation by CT imaging can guide the differential diagnosis. [7] T Yazawa · 2020 · Cited by 1 — Chest X-ray revealed an abnormal infiltration shadow in the right lower lung field, which can guide further investigation with CT scans. [8] They are valuable primary tools in raising suspicion of an existing endobronchial lesion. A definite diagnosis is obtained by an incisional or excisional biopsy.

Based on the context provided, here are some potential differential diagnoses for endobronchial lipoma:

1. Endobronchial hamartoma: A rare benign tumor that can mimic the appearance of an endobronchial lipoma on CT scans.
2. Bronchial adenoma: A type of non-cancerous tumor that can cause obstructive symptoms similar to those caused by an endobronchial lipoma.
3. Malignant lesions: Endobronchial lipomas can be misdiagnosed as malignant tumors due to their potential for causing progressive dyspnea and lung infections.
4. Fibrolipomatous tumor: A rare benign tumor that can demonstrate homogeneous fat attenuation on CT scans, similar to an endobronchial lipoma.
5. Old hematomas: Calcified or fatty lesions in the bronchi that can be mistaken for an endobronchial lipoma.
6. Chemical shift imaging: A type of imaging that can help differentiate between fat-containing lesions and other types of tumors.

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma requires a combination of clinical presentation, imaging studies (such as CT scans), and histopathological examination (e.g., biopsy).